Jimmy Kimmel Drops Surprise Late-Night Announcement—Fans Can’t Believe What’s Next

Jimmy Kimmel is primed for a splashy home-coming this fall, announcing that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will hit the road for a five-night stint at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House from September 29 through October 3, 2025. The New York run—Kimmel’s sixth since 2012—arrives just as late-night competition heats up and speculation swirls about the Emmy-winning host’s long-term plans. ABC’s latest press schedule hints at why the network is leaning into marquee moments: the week of September 8 already boasts a star-packed lineup featuring Sean Penn, Kaitlin Olson, Nate Bargatze, and a reunion of the “Spinal Tap” cast, underscoring the show’s ability to blend Hollywood A-listers with cult-favorite nostalgia. By shifting coasts three weeks later, Kimmel taps directly into NYC’s media ecosystem, a move that historically drives social-media buzz and a ratings bump for ABC’s flagship talker. Yet the Brooklyn engagement also lands amid questions about the comedian’s future. In a recent interview, Kimmel sidestepped rumors that he might step away from nightly hosting duties after his current contract expires in 2026, saying only that he’s “thinking about what’s next” while insisting he still loves the grind of live television. Industry insiders note that ABC is aggressively courting advertisers for the show’s 23rd season, a signal that the network expects Kimmel to stick around—at least through the 2026 election cycle, when late-night political comedy traditionally surges. Strategically, the Brooklyn shows allow “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to: • Capture East-Coast guests who rarely trek to Hollywood, boosting A-list density during fall premiere season. • Leverage BAM’s 2,100-seat venue to create viral audience moments impossible on the smaller L.A. stage. • Dominate the 11:35 p.m. social clip race by airing earlier in the Eastern time zone, giving Kimmel first crack at trending topics. For viewers, the temporary move promises fresh bits—expect Kimmel’s long-running “Lie Witness News” to return to the streets of NYC—and a renewed focus on musical performances curated by sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez. Tickets are free, but ABC warns they typically disappear within minutes of release. If ratings spike, don’t be surprised to see ABC replicate the road-show formula in other media hubs. For now, Brooklyn is the epicenter of Kimmel’s late-night universe—and perhaps the clearest sign that the veteran host isn’t ready to hand over his desk just yet.