In a stunning turn of events, ABC has publicly accused former Fox News host Tucker Carlson of fabricating a $400 million contract offer to replace Jimmy Kimmel on the network’s coveted late-night show. The accusation has sent shockwaves through both the media and entertainment industries, sparking questions about the authenticity of the offer, the motivations behind the claim, and the future of late-night television.
Reports surfaced that Tucker Carlson, once a leading figure on Fox News but now an independent media figure, had approached ABC executives with an audacious proposal. According to insiders, Carlson allegedly offered to step in as the new host of ABC’s late-night slot, replacing comedian Jimmy Kimmel. The jaw-dropping offer was said to be valued at $400 million, a figure that would dwarf even the most lucrative contracts in television history.
Carlson, who gained notoriety for his polarizing political commentary on Fox News, reportedly pitched the idea as a way to rejuvenate ABC’s late-night programming. His proposal, according to sources, aimed to capitalize on his massive following from his days on Fox News and his new venture on Twitter, where he continues to command a significant audience. The idea of a political commentator replacing a comedian on late-night television raised eyebrows, but the alleged $400 million offer quickly became the focal point of the story.
ABC wasted no time in responding to the rumors, issuing a public statement that flatly denied any such offer was made. The network accused Carlson of fabricating the entire proposal, calling it a “baseless and fraudulent claim.” According to an ABC spokesperson, there were no negotiations, no offer, and no plans to replace Jimmy Kimmel with Tucker Carlson or anyone else.
“ABC has not engaged in any discussions with Tucker Carlson regarding a late-night hosting role, and no offer of any kind has been extended to him. This is a clear attempt to mislead the public and generate unwarranted attention,” the statement read.
ABC also reaffirmed its commitment to Jimmy Kimmel, who has been a staple of the network’s late-night programming for years. Kimmel, known for his comedic monologues, celebrity interviews, and viral sketches, has built a loyal audience during his tenure. Despite occasional controversies, Kimmel remains one of the most popular figures in late-night television.
Tucker Carlson has not directly addressed ABC’s accusations, but sources close to him claim that the alleged offer was part of a broader strategy to explore new media opportunities. Carlson, who left Fox News in 2023 after his show was abruptly canceled, has since launched a successful independent show on X (formerly known as Twitter), where he continues to provide political commentary.
Carlson’s camp reportedly views the ABC situation as a misunderstanding and insists that the offer was legitimate. They claim that informal discussions were held, but ABC chose to distance itself from the proposal once it became public. While Carlson has not provided any concrete evidence to back up the $400 million figure, those close to him suggest that the amount reflects his perceived value in the media market.
The drama between ABC and Tucker Carlson comes at a time of significant change in the landscape of late-night television. Traditional late-night shows, once dominated by figures like David Letterman, Jay Leno, and Conan O’Brien, are facing increased competition from streaming services, social media, and political commentary shows. The audience for late-night programming has shifted, with younger viewers turning to platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok for entertainment.
Jimmy Kimmel has managed to remain relevant in this changing environment, but even he faces challenges as viewership patterns evolve. Other late-night hosts, like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, have also had to adapt their shows to attract a more digital-savvy audience. In this context, the idea of a political figure like Tucker Carlson entering the late-night fray is both unconventional and intriguing. Carlson, with his large and loyal following, represents a different kind of late-night host—one who would likely eschew traditional comedy for sharp political commentary.
However, the prospect of replacing Kimmel with Carlson would represent a major departure for ABC. While Kimmel’s humor often ventures into political territory, it is largely balanced with entertainment and celebrity culture. Carlson, on the other hand, is known for his polarizing views and hard-hitting political discussions. Whether such a figure could succeed in the more lighthearted and entertainment-focused late-night space remains a topic of debate.
For Tucker Carlson, the controversy over the alleged ABC offer is unlikely to significantly harm his growing independent media empire. Since leaving Fox News, Carlson has successfully transitioned to producing his own content on X, where he continues to draw millions of viewers. His appeal among conservative audiences remains strong, and he has become a central figure in alternative media.
However, the accusations of fabricating a contract could raise questions about his credibility in media negotiations. If ABC’s claims are true, Carlson may face scrutiny over whether his tactics are more about generating headlines than securing serious media deals. Regardless, Carlson’s influence in the political media landscape is undeniable, and he will likely continue to be a major figure in the world of political commentary.
