Jimmy Kimmel Announces End of His Show with a Shocking Twist: He’s Moving to Canada for Good

Late-night television just got a lot less funny—and a whole lot more surprising. Jimmy Kimmel, one of America’s most beloved late-night hosts, has announced that his long-running show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will officially end on January 20th. But the real shocker? Kimmel isn’t just stepping away from the spotlight; he’s packing up and moving to Canada, and according to him, he’s “never coming back.”

The announcement has left fans stunned and the entertainment industry buzzing with speculation. Why would one of late-night TV’s biggest stars leave it all behind—and why Canada?

A Sudden Goodbye to Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Kimmel broke the news during a live broadcast, delivering the bombshell with his signature mix of humor and candor. “After 21 years, I think it’s time to turn off the lights, take the desk, and head north,” Kimmel quipped, eliciting a mix of gasps and laughter from the studio audience.

The show, which first premiered in 2003, has been a staple of late-night television, known for its witty monologues, star-studded interviews, and unforgettable comedy sketches. Over the years, Kimmel has tackled everything from pop culture to politics, often blending humor with heartfelt moments that resonated with audiences across the country.

But all good things must come to an end—and Kimmel seems ready to embrace a new chapter in his life.

Why Canada?

While some fans initially thought the move was a joke, Kimmel quickly clarified that he’s serious about relocating. “Yes, I’m moving to Canada. No, this isn’t a bit. And no, I’m not coming back,” he said.

So, why Canada? Kimmel hinted at several reasons during his announcement:

1. A Fresh Start: “Sometimes, you just need a change of scenery,” Kimmel explained. “And Canada seems like the perfect place for a fresh start—great people, great healthcare, and way fewer people asking me about the Kardashians.”

2. A Shift in Priorities: After two decades in the high-pressure world of late-night television, Kimmel admitted he’s looking forward to a slower pace of life. “I’ve spent 20 years talking about politics, celebrity gossip, and viral videos. Maybe it’s time to focus on something else—like maple syrup and ice hockey.”

3. A Desire for Privacy: Kimmel has been open about the challenges of balancing fame and family. “I love my audience, but I also love my privacy,” he said. “And Canada feels like the kind of place where you can walk down the street without paparazzi hiding in the bushes.”

Fans React to the News

As expected, Kimmel’s announcement has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Social media platforms lit up with posts ranging from shock to sadness to outright disbelief.

“Jimmy Kimmel leaving late-night TV AND moving to Canada? What is happening?” one Twitter user wrote.

Another fan added, “First we lost Conan, now Kimmel is leaving too? Late-night TV will never be the same.”

Even fellow late-night hosts weighed in on the news. Stephen Colbert joked, “I guess we’ll have to rename the genre to ‘Very Late Night…Without Jimmy.’” Meanwhile, Jimmy Fallon offered a heartfelt message: “Wishing you all the best, Jimmy. Canada is lucky to have you!”

What’s Next for Kimmel?

While Kimmel didn’t reveal many details about his future plans, he did hint at a few potential projects. “I’m not retiring—just reinventing,” he said. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll host a talk show in Canada. Jimmy Kimmel Live, Eh? has a nice ring to it.”

He also mentioned a desire to focus on philanthropic work and spend more time with his family. “My kids are growing up fast, and I want to be there for every hockey game, every school play. And if I can do that while enjoying some poutine, even better.”

A Changing Late-Night Landscape

Kimmel’s departure marks the end of an era for late-night television, which has already seen significant shifts in recent years. With the exits of Conan O’Brien and James Corden, and now Kimmel, the late-night landscape is undergoing a transformation.

Streaming platforms, podcasts, and digital content have increasingly pulled audiences away from traditional late-night shows. As a result, networks are rethinking their strategies and exploring new formats to keep viewers engaged.

For ABC, the end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The network will need to find a new host—or perhaps even a new format—that can fill the void left by Kimmel’s departure.

A Bittersweet Farewell

As the countdown to January 20th begins, fans are preparing to say goodbye to one of late-night’s most iconic figures. While the news is bittersweet, many are excited to see what the future holds for Kimmel—both in Canada and beyond.

In true Kimmel fashion, he ended his announcement with a heartfelt message to his fans: “Thank you for letting me into your homes every night. It’s been an incredible ride. And while I may be heading north, I’ll always be grateful for the love and laughter we’ve shared. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a moose to ride.”

Whether it’s in Hollywood or the Great White North, one thing is certain: Jimmy Kimmel’s next adventure will be one to watch.