ABC vs NBC Sports

ABC Dismisses Jimmy Kimmel Live! Cancellation Rumors for 2027

ABC officials have denied recent speculation that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end in 2027 when host Jimmy Kimmel's one-year contract expires. The network called the reports premature and unfounded, emphasizing no final decision has been made. The show, which premiered in 2003, remains the most-watched late-night program, averaging over 2.5 million viewers per night and leading in the 18-49 demographic. However, the late-night genre faces economic pressures, with CBS recently ending The Late Show after 33 seasons due to financial considerations. Additionally, political tensions have escalated, with President Trump urging ABC to remove Kimmel and the FCC threatening to revoke ABC's broadcast licenses. Disney has sued the FCC over the matter. The future of the show will depend on ratings, costs, and the outcome of legal and regulatory disputes.

• ABC officials have dismissed reports that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will end in May 2027 as speculative.
• Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered in 2003 and recently aired its 4,000th episode.
• The show averages over 2.5 million viewers per night and leads in the 18-49 demographic.

FCC: Discrimination Probe, Not Speech, Triggered ABC License Action

The FCC has asked a federal court to dismiss a First Amendment lawsuit filed by ABC and Disney, arguing that an accelerated license renewal review was prompted by a discrimination investigation, not retaliation for programming. The probe began in early 2025 after reports of alleged discriminatory practices, and the FCC claims Disney's responses were deficient. ABC contends the action was retaliatory, coming amid political scrutiny, but the FCC insists the timing is coincidental and seeks to shift review to appeals courts. No licenses have been revoked, and stations continue operating. A hearing is set for October 2026.

• FCC filed motion to dismiss ABC/Disney lawsuit.
• FCC investigation into Disney discrimination began early 2025.
• FCC ordered early license renewals for 8 ABC stations on April 28, 2026.

YouTube TV $75 Promotion Ends August 31

YouTube TV is offering eligible new subscribers $15 off per month for five months (a total of $75 savings) on its Base Plan, reducing the introductory price to $67.99/month versus the regular $82.99/month. The promotion, which includes a free trial, runs through Monday, August 31, 2026; after the five discounted months the regular price applies. The main plan includes 100+ channels, unlimited DVR, multiview, six household accounts, and local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations in most markets. NFL Sunday Ticket is available as an optional add-on. The offer is positioned for the start of the fall sports season and requires signup before the deadline to lock in the discounted rate.

• YouTube TV is offering $15 off per month for five months for eligible new subscribers, totaling $75 in promotional savings.
• Promotional price: YouTube TV Base Plan $67.99/month for the first five months; regular price $82.99/month thereafter.
• Promotion deadline is Monday, August 31, 2026 (signup required before the deadline).

NBC and Peacock Kick Off the Fall with Three New Series

NBCUniversal's newsroom features new press releases including the fall launch of three new series on NBC and Peacock, 'The Traitors' renewed for three additional seasons, and NBC's 'The Voice' returning for Season 30.

MLB Pleased with New TV Deals as Postseason Nears

Major League Baseball's first season under new national media agreements proved successful, according to Commissioner Rob Manfred. NBC returned as a broadcast partner, delivering strong Sunday Night Baseball ratings (2.7 million average viewers, best since 2007), while Fox posted its best MLB season since 2021. Netflix streamed three marquee events, attracting younger audiences despite lower overall numbers for the Home Run Derby. ESPN's role shifted to distributing MLB.TV out-of-market games through its app, with plans to add in-market games in 2027. The league also experimented with local TV distribution, centralizing 14 clubs under its own umbrella and seeing an 8% audience increase. As the postseason begins, MLB is optimistic about the new distribution model's reach and future developments in streaming technology and game discoverability.

• MLB's new national TV deals brought NBC back as a broadcast partner, with Sunday Night Baseball averaging 2.7 million viewers in 2026, the best since 2007.
• Fox averaged 2.4 million viewers for MLB broadcast games in 2026, up 17% from 2025.
• Netflix streamed three MLB events (Opening Night, Home Run Derby, Field of Dreams Game), averaging 3.1 million viewers but attracting younger audiences.

NBCUniversal Newsroom: New Announcements Including Clear The Shelters Results, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift Opening, SNL New Cast, and More

The newsroom page has been updated with several new press releases: NBCU Local's 2026 'Clear The Shelters' results in 135,000 pet adoptions and nearly $500,000 in donations; 'Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift' is now open at Universal Studios Hollywood; 'Saturday Night Live' announces two new cast members for Season 52; Peacock announces three additional seasons of 'The Traitors'; NBCUniversal and Telemundo celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month; and NBC Sports delivers 25+ million viewers for NFL Kickoff and SNF opener.