22 February 2024 , 13:16
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ABC viewers think they've found the 'real reason' the network is ending one of their most famous talk shows, Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Host Jimmy recently hinted at his departure after 21 years on TV, but fans are convinced not everything is as it seems. His contract is coming to an end in less than three years, and he doesn't think he'll be renewing his deal with the US broadcast bosses.
"I think this is my final contract," Jimmy said. "I hate to even say it, because everyone’s laughing at me now — each time I think that, and then it turns out to be not the case."
READ MORE: Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Kimmel feud has ESPN and Disney in tough situation
Jimmy has announced his contact ends in less than three years (Jimmy Kimmel Live/Youtube)"I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good. That seems like enough," he told the Los Angeles Times. But followers of the host aren't convinced, with some taking to social media to air their thoughts on the whole ordeal.
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One claimed that "no one" is watching anymore, suggesting people are beginning to switch off and that Jimmy would be quitting sooner rather than later. "Jimmy Kimmel is pretending he's quitting but the truth is his ratings suck and people want him out."
"My guess is that he was informed that they won't be offering him a contract renewal," someone else said. While another added: "No one is watching because he's not funny."
The comments come after Jimmy's run-in with New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The pair's feud related to comments made over the Jeffrey Epstein list. "There's a lot of people, including Jimmy Kimmel, really hoping that doesn't come out," Rodgers said live on ESPN's The Pat McAfee Show earlier last month.
Pat, the show's host, apologised for the comments at the start of the next day's show. Kimmel escalated the situation by threatening legal action against the Jets quarterback if he continued making such accusations. After calling Rodgers an "a*******" on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, he also addressed the allegations.
"For the record, I've not met, flown with, visited, or had any contact whatsoever with Epstein," the post reads, "nor will you find my name on any "list" other than the clearly phoney nonsense that soft-brained wackos like yourself can't seem to distinguish from reality. Your reckless words put my family in danger. Keep it up, and we will debate the facts further in court."
An ESPN source reportedly described the situation to Front Office Sports as a "big can of worms" for Disney, the parent company of ESPN and ABC, which airs "Jimmy Kimmel Live!". Removing Rodgers from the program would not be simple, explained the same ESPN source, due to his "tough to void" agreement with the show.