Jimmy Kimmel Relying on Wife Molly McNearney to Steer His Career: ‘She’s Firmly in Control’

As Jimmy Kimmel continues to find himself in hot water, an insider says he’s hoping wife Molly McNearney can help keep his career afloat.

“She is firmly in control of what Jimmy does next,” the insider tells the National Enquirer. “And everybody is watching her to see what moves she makes!”

In December, the late-night host, 58, announced on Instagram that Jimmy Kimmel Live! had only been renewed for another year, with his contract set to expire in May 2027.

A Vulture interview posted on June 1 revealed network execs had yet to reach out to Kimmel about an extension — even though negotiations for his current deal were already coming to completion by this point in 2025.

“I don’t know what ABC is going to want to do,” the comedian admitted to the publication. “It’s an unusual position to be in.”

Per Enquirer‘s earlier reporting, the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire emcee has been busy developing new game show ideas following a rocky period that saw his namesake series briefly pulled from airwaves.

“Jimmy wants to stay on TV,” shares the insider. “By his own terms — and by Molly’s terms too.”

Since joining Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2004, McNearney has gone on to become the show’s executive producer and head writer.

“It’s wild how much power Molly wields considering she started as a lowly staff writer,” the insider dishes. “She’s a big-time mogul and a major decision-maker now.”

The 48-year-old even won an Emmy for producing the 2024 Oscars, which her husband — whom she wed in 2013 — hosted.

“The goal is for both Molly and Jimmy to keep going in showbusiness,” adds the insider. “But Jimmy Kimmel Live! is slowly becoming obsolete.”