Tucker Carlson’s Stunning Takeover of ABC’s Late-Night Slot Shocks Fans—Why Did Jimmy Kimmel Get Axed for a $400 Million Deal? Inside the Bold Move That’s Set to Redefine TV and Divide America at Bedtime!

As of April 10, 2025, ABC has dropped a bombshell that’s rocking the late-night world: Jimmy Kimmel, the comedic heart of Jimmy Kimmel Live! for over two decades, is out, replaced by Tucker Carlson in a reported $400 million deal. The news, breaking March 30, swaps Kimmel’s sharp wit for Carlson’s fiery conservative rants, promising a “bold new perspective” at 11:35 p.m. Fans are reeling—some thrilled, others furious—while X buzzes with reactions: “Tucker at night? Genius!” vs. “RIP late-night laughs.” What’s behind this seismic shift, and will it pay off?

Carlson, 55, brings baggage and bravado from his Fox News days, where Tucker Carlson Tonight drew millions with its unapologetic takes—think 4 million nightly viewers at its 2020 peak. His 2023 exit amid lawsuits and controversy didn’t dim his draw; now, ABC’s betting big on his polarizing pull. Insiders whisper it’s a ratings grab—Kimmel’s 1.5 million viewers lately can’t match Carlson’s past haul. “They want eyeballs, not unity,” one X user snarked. The deal, dwarfing Kimmel’s $15 million annual gig, signals a network ready to gamble on division over chuckles.

Kimmel, 57, built a legacy since 2003 with viral bits like “Mean Tweets” and heartfelt moments—think his son Billy’s surgery tears. His liberal leanings clashed with Carlson’s worldview, making this swap a cultural U-turn. “From healing to ranting—ABC’s lost it,” a fan tweeted. Carlson’s hyped, saying, “Late-night’s perfect for real issues.” Picture this: pumpkin spice lattes spun into tirades on “woke collapse.” Critics scoff—late-night’s historically a comedy haven, not a soapbox. Yet, ABC’s chasing a fragmented America, betting conservatives craving Carlson’s edge will tune in.

The backlash is fierce. “This kills the genre,” one X post raged, echoing fears of ideological trenches at bedtime. Others cheer: “Finally, a voice for us!” Kimmel’s taking it in stride—sources say he’s eyeing a podcast, maybe Spotify, where comics can still breathe. His contract runs through 2026, but this move suggests an early exit. ABC’s mum on details, but the shift aligns with late-night’s slump—streaming’s eating traditional TV alive.

At 6:11 p.m. PDT today, the dust’s still settling. Will Carlson’s rants spike ratings or alienate half the country? Kimmel’s fans mourn; Carlson’s base salivates. One thing’s clear: ABC’s not playing safe. This isn’t just a host swap—it’s a bet on a divided nation, and we’re all watching to see who blinks first.