In an announcement that took the entertainment world by surprise, Jimmy Kimmel, the charismatic host of the talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, has reportedly announced the end of his show and his intention to leave the United States to move permanently to Canada. The news, which quickly went viral on social media, left fans and critics stunned, with many wondering whether the decision is final or just a marketing ploy to attract attention. So far, no official confirmation has been made by ABC, the network that broadcasts the show, but the repercussion has already been huge.

Jimmy Kimmel, 57, has been a central figure on American television for more than two decades. Since the debut of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2003, he has won over audiences with his sharp humor, memorable interviews and sketches that often satirize pop culture and American politics. The program, recorded at the Hollywood Masonic Temple in Los Angeles, has become one of the longest-running late-night talk shows today, competing directly with giants such as “The Tonight Show” and “The Late Show.” Kimmel has also gained notoriety for hosting the Oscars on four occasions (2017, 2018, 2023 and 2024) and the Emmy Awards in 2012, 2016 and 2020, solidifying his reputation as one of the biggest names in entertainment.

The alleged decision to end the show and leave the country was reportedly motivated by a combination of personal and professional factors. Sources close to the host, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggest that Kimmel is exhausted after years of balancing the demands of his talk show with other projects, such as producing series and preparing for major events like the Oscars. In 2024, he had already declined to host the 2025 Oscars ceremony, claiming that the stress of organizing the event affected his performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and his personal life. “I’m not good at balancing my life. I dedicate myself completely to something like the Oscars, and my show suffers,” Kimmel said in an interview with the “Politickin’” podcast.

Kimmel has also been an outspoken voice on social and political issues, often using his show to address topics such as healthcare, gun control, and inequality. His 2017 advocacy for Obamacare, when he shared the story of his newborn son’s heart condition, moved audiences and sparked national debate. However, his progressive stances have also drawn criticism from conservatives, which may have contributed to a sense of disillusionment with the current political climate in the U.S. His line “I’m moving to Canada and I’m never going back!” echoes a sentiment that many Americans have expressed in moments of dissatisfaction with their country, though few follow through on it.

Mentioning Canada as a destination is nothing new in celebrity discourse, but in Kimmel’s case, the choice seems symbolic. The neighboring country is often seen as a refuge for those seeking a calmer environment and policies more aligned with progressive values. Still, the lack of details about the change raises questions about the veracity of the statement. Was this an impulsive announcement or a strategy to generate buzz ahead of a possible contract renewal with ABC? In 2019, Kimmel signed a contract extension until 2022, and since then, there has been no concrete news about the future of the show.

Fan reaction has been mixed. On social media, many expressed sadness at the prospect of losing one of American TV’s most beloved hosts. “Jimmy Kimmel has been a part of my nightly routine for years. I can’t imagine TV without him,” wrote one user on X. Others, however, speculated that the announcement could be a joke, given Kimmel’s history of pranks, such as his famous “feud” with Matt Damon. The lack of an official statement from ABC fuels this speculation, especially considering that the show was recently canceled for two days due to the Los Angeles wildfires, which may have intensified rumors about its future.

If confirmed, Kimmel’s departure marks the end of an era for late-night talk shows, which are already facing challenges from the rise of streaming and changing media consumption habits. For now, audiences are left anxiously awaiting clarification, while Kimmel’s legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of his generation remains intact. It remains to be seen whether he will truly leave Hollywood for the icy landscapes of Canada, or if this is just another one of his brilliant moves to keep the world talking about him.