Jimmy Kimmel Gets Emotional on Final Show of 2025 After a ‘Hard Year’

Jimmy Kimmel did not ease into his final episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for 2025. The longtime late-night host became visibly emotional almost immediately, tearing up as he reflected on a year filled with personal loss, public controversy, and unexpected resilience.

Opening the Dec. 18 episode, Kimmel apologized as his voice cracked, acknowledging how quickly the moment hit him. “It’s been a strange year. It’s been a hard year,” he said. “We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life. I’m crying already, I’m sorry.”

Rather than shy away from the emotion, Kimmel leaned into gratitude, directly thanking viewers for sticking with him and the show during one of its most challenging chapters.

‘You Literally Pulled Us Out of a Hole’

Addressing the audience, Kimmel credited fans with helping “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” rebound after a six-day suspension in September that temporarily halted production. According to Kimmel, the surge of support following the hiatus helped lift the show both emotionally and professionally.

“On behalf of all of us at the show, I just want to say that we appreciate your support, your enthusiasm, and not just for watching,” he told viewers. “This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough personally.”

Kimmel also reflected on the broader role of late-night television during turbulent times, sharing that messages from viewers who say the show helps them feel less overwhelmed have meant more than ever.

“When I hear from people who tell me that they watch our show, and the shows that my friends and colleagues do on the other channels, and that it makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too,” he said..

He added a pointed message for international viewers watching from afar, acknowledging the tension inside the U.S. while emphasizing hope. “There is still much more good in this country than bad,” Kimmel said, asking audiences to “bear with us during this extended psychotic episode that we’re in the middle of.”

Loss, Controversy and a Vote of Confidence From ABC

The emotional moment capped off a year marked by both public scrutiny and profound personal loss. In November, Kimmel’s childhood friend and longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo died at 59. Kimmel previously described their bond as inseparable, noting they had been friends since he was 9 years old and worked together daily on the show, per People.

Professionally, Kimmel also faced repeated criticism from President Donald Trump and backlash tied to political commentary, including the September suspension. Despite the uncertainty, earlier reporting confirmed that ABC renewed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for another year, extending the show through May 2027, per earlier reports.

Kimmel acknowledged the renewal with humor, posting on Instagram, “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!” while fans and fellow celebrities rallied behind him.

As the curtain closed on 2025, Kimmel centered his final message on connection, gratitude, and perseverance. “We cannot thank you enough personally,” he told viewers, a sentiment that landed as both a farewell to a tough year and a reminder of why late-night still matters.

The post Jimmy Kimmel Gets Emotional on Final Show of 2025 After a ‘Hard Year’ appeared first on EntertainmentNow.