Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down in Tears During Final Show of 2025: “Viewers Literally Pulled Us Out of a Hole”
Jimmy Kimmel ended 2025 on an emotional note, struggling to hold back tears as he signed off from Jimmy Kimmel Live! after what he described as the most difficult year of his life.
During the final episode of the year on Thursday, December 18, the longtime late-night host became visibly emotional almost immediately after stepping on stage, apologizing to viewers as his voice cracked.
“It’s been a hard year,” Kimmel said, pausing to collect himself. “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.”
The moment set the tone for a raw and deeply personal monologue that resonated with audiences across the country and beyond.
“You Literally Pulled Us Out of a Hole”
Kimmel went on to thank viewers for standing by the show during a turbulent period that included a six-day suspension earlier in the year, followed by a dramatic ratings rebound upon the program’s return.
“On behalf of all of us at the show, I just want to say how much we appreciate your support,” he said. “Not just for watching — this year, you literally pulled us out of a hole. And we cannot thank you enough, personally or professionally.”
The late-night host emphasized how meaningful audience loyalty has been during a time when the future of traditional late-night television has faced increasing uncertainty.
Late-Night TV as a Lifeline in Unsettling Times
Reflecting on the broader cultural role of comedy during periods of political and social tension, Kimmel noted that hearing from viewers has helped him stay grounded.
“When people tell me that watching our show — and the shows my friends and colleagues do — makes them feel less crazy, it makes me feel less crazy too,” he said. “And that matters.”
Addressing international viewers, Kimmel added a candid message about the current climate in the United States.
“A lot of us are not okay with what is happening,” he said. “But there is still much more good in this country than bad. We hope you’ll bear with us through this extended psychotic episode we’re living in.”
Mourning a Lifelong Friend
Beyond professional challenges, Kimmel also endured a devastating personal loss this year with the death of his childhood friend and longtime bandleader Cleto Escobedo, who passed away in November at age 59.
“To say that we are heartbroken is an understatement,” Kimmel wrote in a tribute shared on Instagram. “Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old.”
Kimmel previously described the episode following Escobedo’s death as the hardest monologue he had ever delivered, breaking down on air as he honored the man who had stood beside him for decades.
Political Pressure and Public Scrutiny
The year also included renewed political criticism, including repeated attacks from Donald Trump, who publicly called for Jimmy Kimmel Live! to be taken off the air.
Kimmel responded in characteristic fashion, addressing the criticism with humor and sarcasm — even crediting Trump for helping boost the show’s ratings.
“It’s viewers like you who keep us on the air — ironically,” Kimmel joked during a November broadcast.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Despite the challenges, the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains secure. Earlier this month, Kimmel signed a one-year contract extension with ABC, confirming the show will return for the 2026–2027 season.
As the curtain closed on 2025, Kimmel’s emotional farewell served as a reminder of why late-night television still matters — not just as entertainment, but as a shared space for reflection, humor, and humanity during difficult times.
For many viewers, his tears weren’t a sign of weakness — they were proof that connection still matters.
