This is exclusive.
The sources I’ve spoken to are as inside this game as they could be.
Each one is certain that the story about Jimmy Kimmel ending his show next May is not true.
Page Six may have confused the end of the contract with the end of the show.
But Source #1 says: “This happens every year at this time when Jimmy’s coming back from vacation.” This is a person of power in Hollywood who would have been advised of this situation before the Post.
Source #2: Another person inside the world of late night, and very much so. If Kimmel didn’t tell them what was going on, or hadn’t spoken to them by 10:23pm, it’s not true.
Source says: ” I don’t think so. I don’t think he’ll leave until Trump is out. It will look like he caved. But this will get him the respect of fighting for the man. Take a few years victory lap. Like Colbert.”
Many things are possible for why the story was planted. It could be just to goose ratings tonight, a reason to check in on Kimmel’s return. Also, I can’t imagine Disney not keeping Kimmel until the Nov 28 election.
Also, this Sunday is the Emmy Awards, where Kimmel could win. He’ll definitely be on the show. Can you imagine the scene on the red carpet? ABC says it’s inaccurate, and for now, that’s it.
