Jimmy Kimmel is hinting that his time as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” may be coming to an end as he prepares for his fourth round of hosting the Academy Awards.

The 56-year-old talk show host indicated in an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Times that his current deal might be his last. Kimmel stated bluntly, “I think this is my final contract,” knowing full well that his admission would be met with disbelief. “I hate to even mention it because everyone’s laughing at me now — each time I think that, and then it turns out to not be the case.”

Kimmel’s reflection has been spurred by the celebration of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for twenty-one years. Even with the milestone, he thinks the two or more years left on his current contract is a good length of time. “I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good,” he said. “That seems like enough.”

With the possibility of moving away from late-night TV, Kimmel is unsure of what he will do with his spare time after “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” He said, “It might not be anything that anyone other than me is aware of,” giving a hint about his wide range of interests, which include cooking, sketching, and even studying sculpture.

Thinking back on his grandfather’s death, Kimmel admitted the effect it had on him. Seeing his grandfather’s unmet expectations had a profound effect on him and made him reflect on his own path. “I know that when I die, if I’m lucky enough to die on my own terms in my own bed, I’m going to think, ‘Oh, I was never able to get to this, and I was never able to get to that,’” he said. “I just know it about myself.”

The possibility that this is the host’s last contract raises questions about his fourth term hosting the Oscars as he prepares for the forthcoming ceremony.
His next hosting assignment might represent a turning point in Kimmel’s career as he navigates the possible end of this chapter. Kimmel has a clear capacity to switch between humor and earnestness in his late-night work.

Although the details of Kimmel’s endeavors after “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are still unknown, his open disclosures regarding the limited duration of his present contract encourage viewers to consider the legacy he may leave behind. As the Academy Awards draw near, Kimmel’s dual responsibilities as host and prospective career changer come to the fore, promising to make this year’s show an unforgettable one in the illustrious career of the late-night star.