In a bombshell announcement that has stunned the entertainment world, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that he is ending his long-running show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and leaving the United States for good. During a tearful monologue on his program, the 57-year-old comedian declared, “I’m moving to Canada and never coming back!” The decision, which marks the end of a 22-year tenure on ABC, comes amid a wave of high-profile figures expressing discontent with the U.S. political climate, leaving fans and industry insiders reeling over the departure of one of late-night television’s most beloved figures.
Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, made the announcement during a live broadcast, visibly emotional as he addressed his audience. “This show has been my life for over two decades, but I can’t do it anymore,” he said. “The direction this country is heading—it’s not a place I can raise my kids or feel good about calling home. So, I’m out. I’m moving to Canada, and I’m never coming back.” The audience, initially silent, erupted into a mix of gasps and applause, reflecting the shock and support that would soon echo across social media platforms like X.
The comedian’s decision appears to be driven by his outspoken criticism of the Trump administration, particularly its recent policies under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), co-led by Elon Musk, which has been linked to federal layoffs and cuts to social programs. Kimmel has been a vocal critic of Trump since his first term, often using his platform to lampoon the former president and his allies. In recent months, he has targeted Trump’s policies on healthcare, education, and diversity initiatives, issues Kimmel has long championed. “I’ve fought for what I believe in, but I’m tired,” he admitted. “I need to be somewhere that aligns with my values, and right now, that’s not here.”
Kimmel’s move to Canada follows a pattern of celebrities expressing their intent to leave the U.S., including Whoopi Goldberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Taylor Swift, who recently announced similar plans. Canada, with its progressive policies and universal healthcare system—a cause Kimmel has passionately supported since his son Billy’s open-heart surgeries in 2017—seems a natural fit. Sources close to Kimmel say he has already purchased a home in Vancouver, where he plans to relocate with his wife, Molly McNearney, and their two children, Billy and Jane. “He wants a fresh start,” an insider revealed. “He’s serious about never coming back.”
The end of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks the conclusion of an era in late-night television. The show, which has aired over 3,500 episodes and welcomed countless A-list guests, was known for its sharp political commentary, viral segments like “Mean Tweets,” and Kimmel’s annual Halloween candy prank. ABC has not yet announced a replacement, but speculation is rife about who might fill Kimmel’s shoes, with names like Desus Nice and The Kid Mero being floated as potential successors. “Jimmy set a high bar,” an ABC executive said. “Whoever comes next has big shoes to fill.”
On X, fans have expressed a mix of heartbreak and admiration. “Jimmy Kimmel leaving for Canada is devastating—I’ve watched him since I was a kid,” one user wrote. Another added, “Respect to Jimmy for standing by his principles. Canada’s lucky to have him!” Critics, however, were less sympathetic, with one user commenting, “If Kimmel doesn’t like it here, good riddance—America doesn’t need him.”
As Kimmel prepares to bid farewell to his show and his country, his departure underscores the growing divide in the U.S. cultural landscape. For a comedian who has spent decades making America laugh, the decision to leave is a poignant reflection of his disillusionment—and a reminder of the challenges facing those who dare to speak out. While Kimmel’s next chapter in Canada remains unwritten, his legacy in late-night television will endure, even as he turns the page on his American story.
