Jimmy Kimmel Gets Emotional as He Fights Back Tears During His Final Show of 2025: “This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole”

Jimmy Kimmel got emotional during the final episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2025, fighting back tears as he reflected on a difficult year. The late-night host thanked fans for supporting him through challenging times, including the L.A. fires and his ongoing clashes with President Donald Trump.

The year also included a major low point when ABC temporarily pulled the show after two large affiliate station owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, raised complaints about Kimmel’s monologue on Charlie Kirk’s alleged shooter.

“This has been a strange year. It’s been a hard year,” Kimmel said at the start of his final monologue. “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.” He continued to express gratitude to viewers, “I just want to say that we appreciate your support, your enthusiasm, and not just for watching. This year, you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough personally.”

Kimmel also reflected on broader struggles in the U.S., mentioning the many “awful and destructive acts” that affected the country this year. “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 encouraged Americans to show solidarity with others around the world, while emphasizing that there is still more good than bad in the country.

Earlier this month, Variety reported that Kimmel signed a new deal with Disney to extend his show through 2027, securing his late-night spot for at least another year. His previous contract was expected to expire in 2026.

Kimmel has remained outspoken about Trump since returning to air, criticizing the president’s comments about the death of filmmaker Rob Reiner. “What we need at a time like this, besides common sense when it comes to guns and mental health care, is compassion and leadership. We did not get that from our president, because he has none of it to give. Instead, we got a fool rambling about nonsense,” Kimmel said.

“It’s so hateful and vile. When I first saw it, I thought it was fake. My wife showed it to me this morning. I was like, ‘Even for him, that seemed like too much.’ But nothing is ever too much for him.”

It was a heartfelt farewell to a tumultuous year, with Kimmel using the opportunity to both thank his fans and call attention to the challenges facing the country.

Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional monologue shows the human side of late-night hosts who often mix comedy with commentary on serious issues. It’s clear he values his audience and isn’t afraid to speak out on topics that matter to him. What do you think about Kimmel’s reflections and his message to viewers? Share your thoughts in the comments.