In a stunning announcement that has left fans reeling, late-night icon Jimmy Kimmel revealed on August 10, 2025, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end its 23-year run on January 20, 2026, and he plans to relocate to Canada, vowing “never to come back” to America. The news, first reported by newscorner.news, came during a tearful monologue, with Kimmel citing personal exhaustion and disillusionment with the U.S. political climate as reasons for his departure. The bombshell has sparked a frenzy on X, with fans and critics debating the implications of his exit.

Kimmel, 57, who transformed late-night TV with his sharp humor and viral segments, announced the decision amid speculation about his future, fueled by posts on X from users like @JulieProul14640 claiming he was “ready to flee” due to political tensions. “I’ve loved this show, but I’m tired, and America’s changed,” Kimmel said, per insightflowmedia.com. His move to Canada, reportedly to Vancouver, follows a trend of celebrities seeking respite abroad, though his emphatic “never coming back” stunned viewers, with X posts like, “Jimmy’s really done with us?” trending.

The announcement coincides with a tumultuous period for Kimmel, including his 2023 divorce from Molly McNearney and declining ratings, as Jimmy Kimmel Live! averaged 1.4 million viewers in 2024, per Nielsen, down from its 2000s peak. Sources told ukgets.com that Kimmel’s frustration with ABC’s pressure to soften his political satire, particularly targeting GOP figures, played a role. “I can’t keep pretending everything’s fine,” he reportedly told staff, hinting at deeper discontent. His exit leaves a void in late-night TV, with competitors like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon poised to gain viewers.

Fans are divided. Some on X, like @therayban, expressed heartbreak, posting, “Jimmy’s been my nightly escape!” Others criticized his decision, with comments like, “Running to Canada? That’s weak.” Kimmel’s move aligns with his vocal critiques of U.S. policies, notably healthcare and gun laws, which he addressed in emotional monologues about his son’s heart condition. Canada’s universal healthcare and quieter media landscape may offer solace, though his claim of permanence has raised skepticism.

As Jimmy Kimmel Live! prepares its final episodes, the industry braces for a shift. Kimmel’s legacy—marked by comedy, activism, and cultural impact—remains undeniable, but his departure signals a new chapter. Whether he truly stays in Canada or returns, the world is watching what this TV titan does next.