Recent claims have surfaced alleging that ABC has signed a $400 million deal with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson to replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” However, these reports have been debunked as false and originated from satirical sources.
The rumor began with an article from the satirical website SpaceXMania, published on July 16, 2024, titled “Breaking: ABC Signs A $400 Million Deal With Tucker Carlson For A Late-Night Show, ‘Going to Replace Jimmy Kimmel Show.’” The website clearly labels its content as satire, stating that their articles are “pure fantasy” and “not a snapshot of reality.”
Despite the satirical nature of the original article, the claim was shared on social media without context, leading some to believe it was factual. This prompted fact-checking organizations to investigate and clarify the misinformation. Reuters, for instance, confirmed with an ABC spokesperson that the headline was false and that there was no evidence Carlson was set to take over Kimmel’s slot.
Jimmy Kimmel has been the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for 22 seasons, starting in 2003. In 2022, he extended his contract with ABC for three more years, solidifying his place in the network’s late-night lineup.
It’s important to note that the image accompanying the hoax story featured a building with the logo of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, not the American Broadcasting Company, adding to the confusion.
This incident underscores the necessity of critically evaluating information encountered online. Satirical content can easily be mistaken for factual news, especially when shared out of context. Always verify the credibility of sources and consult multiple outlets to confirm the authenticity of sensational claims.
In conclusion, the narrative that ABC has signed a $400 million deal with Tucker Carlson to replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is entirely unfounded and originated from a satirical article. Both ABC representatives and fact-checking organizations have debunked this claim, reaffirming that Jimmy Kimmel remains the host of his eponymous late-night show.
