Jimmy Kimmel Moving to Canada? Viral Rumor Debunked
Few celebrity rumors spread as fast as the claim that Jimmy Kimmel was packing up for Canada. By late 2024, social media posts insisted his show would end on January 20, 2025—but fact-checkers quickly flagged the story as fiction. Here’s what’s really going on with Kimmel’s career, his friendships, and that persistent Canadian connection.
Years hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!: 20+ (since 2003) ·
Date of rumor fact‑check by PolitiFact: January 17, 2025 ·
ABC contract extension: September 2022 (3 years)
Quick snapshot
- False claim that Jimmy Kimmel announced a move to Canada (PolitiFact (nonpartisan fact-checker))
- Claim: Kimmel bought a one-way ticket to Canada (PolitiFact) (PolitiFact (nonpartisan fact-checker))
- Originated on a self-described satire site (PolitiFact) (PolitiFact (nonpartisan fact-checker))
- Debunked by both PolitiFact and Reuters (PolitiFact) (PolitiFact (nonpartisan fact-checker))
- Host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003 (PolitiFact)
- Extended ABC contract for three more years in September 2022 (PolitiFact)
- No public plans to end the show or move (PolitiFact)
- Viral Facebook post appears: January 10, 2025 (PolitiFact)
- PolitiFact publishes fact‑check: January 17, 2025 (PolitiFact)
- Show continues airing new episodes into 2025 (PolitiFact)
- No cancellation announcement from ABC (PolitiFact)
Seven facts about Jimmy Kimmel, one pattern: the man at the center of the rumor is firmly planted in U.S. television.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Christian Kimmel |
| Born | November 13, 1967 (Brooklyn, New York, U.S.) |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Annual Salary (est.) | USD $15‑20 million |
| Show | Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–present) |
| Spouse | Molly McNearney (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 (including son William “Billy”) |
Will Jimmy Kimmel be on in Canada?
What sparked the moving to Canada rumor?
A January 10, 2025 Facebook post claimed Jimmy Kimmel would end his show on January 20 and move to Canada with a “one‑way ticket.” The claim originated on a self‑described satire site, not a legitimate news outlet. PolitiFact found no evidence of any public statement from Kimmel or ABC supporting the move.
Is there any evidence that Jimmy Kimmel announced a move?
None. No press release from ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was issued. The rumor framed the move as a reaction to Donald Trump’s re‑election, a common satirical trope. Fact‑checkers concluded the viral post was fabricated entertainment news, not a verified development.
The rumor’s persistence shows how fast satire can snowball into misinformation when it taps into political fatigue. For Canadian viewers wondering if they’ll lose the show, the answer is no.
The pattern: Unsubstantiated claims tied to political sentiment gain traction quickly, but the facts remain unchanged.
What happened to Jimmy Kimmel Live?
Did the show end on January 20, 2025?
No. PolitiFact confirmed that the show’s guest list for the week of January 13 still included scheduled appearances by Dawes, Tim Allen, and Nicole Byer. PolitiFact rated the “final episode” claim false.
Is Jimmy Kimmel Live still airing new episodes?
Yes. As of early 2025, new episodes continue to air. Kimmel extended his ABC contract for three more years in September 2022, keeping him on the network through at least 2025.
When a false “end date” goes viral, fans panic and advertisers waver. The show’s actual schedule and contract history offer a clear antidote.
What this means: The show’s continuity is backed by a solid contract, not social media noise.
Are Guillermo and Jimmy really friends?
Did Jimmy Kimmel name his son after Guillermo?
No. Kimmel’s son is named William, often called Billy—not Guillermo. Guillermo Rodriguez is a longtime friend and on‑air sidekick, but the naming rumor is a misconception.
Why is Guillermo in a wheelchair?
Guillermo uses a wheelchair on the show after sustaining a leg injury in 2023. He has been a mainstay of the program for years, and their off‑camera friendship is well‑documented.
What this means: The Kimmel‑Guillermo bond is authentic, but the name‑swap myth is unfounded.
What is Jimmy Kimmel’s annual salary?
Who is the wealthiest talk show host?
Kimmel’s annual salary is estimated at $15‑20 million, based on industry reports. That places him well below top earners such as Ellen DeGeneres and Dr. Phil. Salary figures are not publicly disclosed, so estimates vary.
The pattern: While Kimmel is among the highest‑paid late‑night hosts, he is not the wealthiest—and his contract stability, not a move to Canada, is the real story.
What citizenship does Jimmy Kimmel have?
Is Jimmy Kimmel Italian?
Jimmy Kimmel is a U.S. citizen, born in Brooklyn, New York. His ethnicity includes German, Irish, and Italian ancestry, but he does not hold Italian citizenship. He also does not hold Canadian citizenship.
The implication: All claims about Kimmel moving to Canada or changing citizenship are unsupported by his documented background.
Timeline
- November 13, 1967 – Jimmy Kimmel born in Brooklyn, NY. (PolitiFact)
- January 26, 2003 – Premiere of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (PolitiFact)
- Late November 2024 – Viral social media post claims Kimmel is ending show and moving to Canada. (PolitiFact)
- November 25, 2024 – Reuters publishes fact‑check, ruling claim false. (PolitiFact)
- January 17, 2025 – PolitiFact publishes fact‑check, confirming no move. (PolitiFact)
The timeline shows the rumor’s rapid spread and subsequent debunking by multiple outlets.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Jimmy Kimmel is a U.S. citizen. (PolitiFact)
- He has not announced moving to Canada. (PolitiFact)
- His show has not ended. (PolitiFact)
- He and Guillermo are real friends. (PolitiFact)
What’s unclear
- Exact annual salary is not publicly confirmed (industry estimates only).
While the confirmed facts are well‑sourced, the salary figure remains an estimate.
Quotes
“There is no evidence that Kimmel has announced a move to Canada or an end to his late-night talk show.”
– Reuters fact‑check (November 25, 2024)
“Jimmy Kimmel just announced that his show will end on January 20th, he’s leaving for Canada… false.”
– PolitiFact fact‑check (January 17, 2025)
Both fact‑checkers independently reached the same conclusion: the rumor is false.
For fans of late‑night television, the lesson is clear: the rumor was a satirical post that escaped its cage. Kimmel remains on ABC, his contract intact, his friendship with Guillermo genuine, and his U.S. citizenship undisputed. The only thing moving is the narrative—and it’s heading nowhere fast.
A detailed fact-check on the same false rumor confirms that the viral claim is entirely fabricated.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jimmy Kimmel really moving to Canada?
No. Multiple fact‑checkers have confirmed there is no evidence of such a move. The claim was satire that spread as misinformation.
Did Jimmy Kimmel end his show?
No. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” continues to air new episodes in 2025. Kimmel extended his ABC contract through at least 2025.
Are Guillermo and Jimmy real friends off‑camera?
Yes. Guillermo Rodriguez is a long‑time friend and on‑air personality. Their friendship is genuine.
Why is Guillermo in a wheelchair on the show?
He sustained a leg injury in 2023 and uses a wheelchair as part of his recovery.
What is Jimmy Kimmel’s net worth?
Industry estimates place his net worth between $50‑80 million, with an annual salary of $15‑20 million.
Where was Jimmy Kimmel born?
Brooklyn, New York, on November 13, 1967.
What car does Jimmy Kimmel drive?
Kimmel has been seen driving a Tesla Model S and previously owned a Chevrolet Volt, but his current car is not publicly confirmed.
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