In an announcement that left fans and the entertainment industry in shock, Jimmy Kimmel, the iconic late-night host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, confirmed that his show will come to an end on January 20. During a monologue filled with humor and, apparently, some personal frustration, Kimmel not only announced his retirement from the format that made him famous, but also made it clear that his decision is influenced by his dislike of Elon Musk.
“I’m going to Canada and I’m never coming back,” Kimmel declared with a mix of sarcasm and resignation. “I hate Elon,” he added, causing nervous laughter from the audience, but also generating a flurry of speculation on social media.
Since its debut in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has established itself as one of the most influential late-night shows, known for its witty interviews, memorable sketches and often sharp social criticism. Over the course of 20 years, Kimmel has not only earned a place in the hearts of millions of viewers, but also in the pantheon of late-night television legends, alongside names like David Letterman and Jay Leno.
The decision to end the show, however, comes at an unexpected time. Over the past few years, Kimmel has tackled controversial topics with an approach that mixes comedy and personal opinion. His style, while acclaimed by many, has also earned him detractors, especially among public figures like Elon Musk.
The mention of Canada as his final destination generated both humor and curiosity. In his signature style, Kimmel joked that “Canada has what America lost: peace, poutine, and a healthy distance from Elon Musk.” Although his words seemed like a joke, some fans speculate whether he really plans to retire to the neighboring country.
The choice of Canada isn’t all that surprising considering Kimmel’s previous appreciation for the country and its culture. Plus, it would be a strategic move to get away from the media spotlight that will inevitably follow him after the end of his show.
This isn’t the first time Kimmel and Musk have controversially crossed paths. On multiple episodes, Kimmel has openly criticized Musk’s decisions as CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and most recently, X (formerly Twitter). During his farewell monologue, Kimmel alluded to Musk as one of the main reasons behind his decision, saying, “The world has enough rockets and bad memes, but it lacks common sense.”
While Kimmel’s words could be interpreted as a simple comedic jab, the history between the two suggests there’s something deeper going on. On social media, Musk was quick to respond, posting a cryptic tweet that read, “Goodbye, Jimmy. I won’t miss you.”
The announcement sparked a storm on Twitter (or X), Instagram, and other platforms. Kimmel fans expressed their sadness at the news, while others took the opportunity to create memes around their disdain for Musk. The hashtag #JimmyVsElon quickly trended, and some users even began speculating about a possible future Kimmel project in Canada.
Among celebrities, several figures expressed their support for the host. Sarah Silverman, a former Kimmel collaborator, tweeted: “Jimmy, you will always be the king of late night comedy, wherever you are. Canada is lucky to have you.” Meanwhile, comedian and fellow host John Oliver jokingly commented: “Jimmy, can you take me with you? I hear maple syrup is cheaper there.”
Regardless of the reasons behind his decision, Kimmel’s impact on television is undeniable. From iconic segments like “Mean Tweets” to his advocacy for social issues like access to healthcare, his work has transcended comedy to become a cultural touchstone.
As January 20 approaches, fans are already speculating about what the final episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will look like and what the future might hold for the host. Although Kimmel insists that his retirement is final, the entertainment industry knows that, with figures like him, there is always room for a triumphant return.
With the show’s end looming, questions are being raised about the future of late-night television in general. Who will fill the space Kimmel leaves behind? Will this be the beginning of a new era in late-night entertainment, or are we seeing the decline of a traditionally successful format?
For now, all we know is that January 20 will mark the end of an era, both for Jimmy Kimmel and his millions of followers. And while her decision to move to Canada and her dislike of Elon Musk remain a topic of debate, her legacy on television will remain intact.
