Jimmy Kimmel/Instagram
Earlier this week, there were reports that this would be Jimmy Kimmel Live’s last season. And ABC denied it. However, it could be true because the late night host and the network are in talks for another season.
Unlike in past years, one condition could make renewing the talk show for another season more difficult. According to Puck, the show will have to cut costs by as much as 20%.
Where those costs will come from is up to the show. It could be his reported $15 million-a-year salary, the number of episodes shot, staff, or special shows like going back to Brooklyn, for example.
The requirement is not shocking because broadcast is not making the money it has in the past, and several shows, including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, have already made cuts.
Personally, I think Kimmel and his wife, who is an executive producer, should take pay cuts. But that is their call.
If Kimmel doesn’t take the pay cut, ABC might be without a late night show like CBS. While that is good for NBC, it is bad for the industry and Los Angeles.
As much as Trump would like to take credit for all of this, he does not play a part in the talks.
