Fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! Revealed at ABC

“Early this morning, we lost a great friend, father, son, musician and man, my longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo III,” Jimmy shared in an Instagram post at the time. “To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement.”

The TV personality continued, “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old. The fact that we got to work together every day is a dream neither of us could ever have imagined would come true.”

“Cherish your friends,” he added, “and please keep Cleto’s wife, children and parents in your prayers.”

In the wake of his challenging year, Jimmy reflected on where he stood when it came to extending his time on the show. 

“It’s funny, I often answer that question,” he shared during Bloomberg’s Screentime conference in October, “and then I do the opposite of what I said I was going to.”

He explained that with his last three contracts he would say, “This is the last one.” 

“So I’ve learned not to say anything anymore, because it upsets my staff,” he joked, “and it’s best that when I make a decision, I will make that decision.”

For a look at the fate of more shows that have been renewed or cancelled this year, keep reading.