Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kimmel Envisions Cost-Effective Future for TV Talk Shows
Kimmel Envisions Cost-Effective Future for TV Talk Shows
9 Oct
Summary
- Kimmel says late night shows don't need $120-$140 million budgets
- Kimmel details suspension of his show, criticizes Colbert's cancellation
- Kimmel in talks with Disney to bring his show back
As of October 9th, 2025, late night host Jimmy Kimmel is envisioning a more cost-effective future for the TV talk show genre. Kimmel believes the current $120-$140 million budgets for these programs are unsustainable and unnecessary, stating "These shows don't need to cost $120 million and somebody will figure it out [a different way to make them]."
Kimmel also shared details about the project budget for his own show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", and discussed the recent suspension of his program following backlash to his comments about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Despite this setback, Kimmel revealed he has been in "really good conversations" with Disney leadership to bring his show back.
Additionally, Kimmel doubled down on his criticism of Stephen Colbert's cancellation at CBS, arguing that the late night genre is due for a transformation as the economics of television continue to evolve. Kimmel believes the high-priced talent that once fueled the creation of these shows can now be obtained in a more cost-effective manner, signaling a shift in the industry.
