Disney's Walden: Late-Night Renewal for Kimmel Is Tricky
Dana Walden says late-night is a challenging day part as Disney weighs renewing Jimmy Kimmel's contract while honoring its partnership with him.
Disney executive Dana Walden said renewing Jimmy Kimmel's contract is not a straightforward call, describing late-night as a difficult business. Speaking at the Bloomberg Screentime event, Walden said late-night is "a very challenging day part," according to Deadline.
Walden said Disney is trying to make sense of the business while honoring its partnership with Kimmel. She added that she loves Jimmy and that the company is working through what Kimmel wants and what is right for the business.
The comments come as Disney weighs the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. In October 2025, it emerged that Kimmel was in talks to renew his deal with Disney ahead of his contract expiring in May.
Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003. He began taking summers off in 2020, with guest hosts continuing the show in his absence.
The broader late-night landscape has been shifting. CBS axed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and Colbert was asked to reduce its budget before it was cancelled. Late Night with Seth Meyers has also seen cuts, including its band and a new schedule.
In September 2025, ABC pulled Kimmel off the air, and he became a free-speech hero in the process.
Quick answers
What did Dana Walden say about Jimmy Kimmel's contract?
She said late-night is a very challenging day part and that Disney is working through what Kimmel wants and what is right for the business while honoring its partnership with him.
When does Jimmy Kimmel's contract expire?
His contract is set to expire in May, and in October 2025 it emerged he was in talks to renew his deal with Disney.
How long has Jimmy Kimmel hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
He has hosted the show since 2003 and began taking summers off in 2020, with guest hosts continuing the show.