Honestly, it feels like the end of an era, but Carol Burnett isn't exactly disappearing into the sunset with a quiet wave. She’s 92 now. Think about that for a second. While most people her age are—well, let’s be real, most people don’t make it to 92 with this much energy—Carol has been busier in the mid-2020s than actors half her age. But the big news circulating right now isn't just about her latest role; it’s about why she’s finally decided to step back from the camera for good.
If you’ve been following Carol Burnett lately, you know she’s been having a massive "renaissance." It started with that scene-stealing turn in Better Call Saul as Marion, the woman who finally took down Saul Goodman with nothing but a laptop and a suspicious mind. Then came Palm Royale on Apple TV+, where she played the formidable Norma Dellacorte. But as of January 2026, the legendary comedian has made it official: she’s mostly done with acting.
She recently told The Hollywood Reporter that unless something "unbelievable" lands on her desk, she’s retiring from the screen to focus on what happens behind the scenes. It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who have spent seven decades watching her tug her earlobe, but it makes a lot of sense when you look at the work she’s putting in right now.
What’s Carol Burnett Doing Right Now?
Right now, the buzz is all about the Palm Royale Season 2 finale, which just wrapped up its run in mid-January 2026. If you haven't seen it, Carol's character, Norma, basically ran the show, moving from a coma in Season 1 to a full-blown mastermind in the second season. Just a few nights ago, on January 17, 2026, the cast held a special "For Your Consideration" (FYC) event at the Saban Media Center.
It wasn't just a panel; it turned into a giant tribute. Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Ricky Martin were all there, and they weren't just talking shop—they were practically worshiping at the altar of Carol. She looked radiant, cracking jokes about how she only took the job because she wanted to play in the "sandbox" with those specific actors.
But there’s a catch to all this celebration. While everyone wants more, Carol is shifting her focus. She’s been working closely with producer Katie O’Connell Marsh. They aren't just chatting; they’ve actually written a few scripts. Carol mentioned she has a series and a film in development where she’ll serve as an executive producer.
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She basically said she’s tired of the "glam" part of the job. No more two-hour makeup sessions. No more hitting marks under hot lights. She wants to show up in a baseball cap and dark glasses, sit behind a monitor, and tell the story from the other side. Can you blame her? After winning six Emmys and basically inventing the modern variety show, she’s earned the right to stay in her pajamas if she wants to.
The Carol Burnett Award and SJP
Speaking of her legacy, the Carol Burnett Award is still the "it" trophy for television achievement. This month, Sarah Jessica Parker was honored with the award at the 2026 Golden Globes festivities. It’s a huge deal because the award, which Carol herself was the first to receive in 2019, signifies a lifetime of changing the industry.
Interestingly, the award ceremony sparked some spicy headlines when Chris Noth (Mr. Big from Sex and the City) had some choice words—or rather, a snarky Instagram comment—about SJP winning it. It just goes to show that even when Carol isn't the one on stage, her name is at the center of the biggest conversations in Hollywood.
Why "Palm Royale" Was Her Last Hurrah
Carol has been very vocal about the fact that Palm Royale felt like the "cherry on top of the sundae." She’s spent seventy years in this business. She’s seen the transition from live TV to film to streaming. For her, working with the ensemble of Wiig, Janney, and Laura Dern was the peak.
"I don't know what would come up that I would really want to do that could be as good as this," she admitted during an interview with Extra TV late last year.
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It’s rare for an actor to recognize their "final" high point while they’re still in it. Most people just fade away or keep taking bit parts until the phone stops ringing. Not Carol. She’s calling the shots.
A Quick Look at Her Recent Streak:
- Better Call Saul (2022): The spark that reignited her "acting" bug.
- Palm Royale (2024-2026): Her most substantial regular TV role in years.
- Hacks & Frasier (2025): Iconic guest spots that reminded everyone she’s still the funniest person in the room.
If this truly is the end of her acting career, she’s going out on top. But don't think she’s sitting at home knitting. FETV just launched a massive Carol Burnett Show marathon on New Year’s Day 2026, and the show is now back in a regular daily rotation. A whole new generation of kids is discovering the "Went with the Wind" curtain-rod dress for the first time on Tubi and Pluto TV.
The Reality of Aging in the Spotlight
There’s always a bit of worry when a 92-year-old star makes "retirement" news. People naturally jump to health concerns. But from everything we’ve seen this month—including her appearances with Bernadette Peters (her Annie co-star) at recent events—Carol is sharp as a tack.
She’s not quitting because she has to; she’s quitting because she’s bored with the process of being "on." She’s talked about how much she loves Vince Gilligan’s writing and how she’s currently obsessed with his new show, Pluribus, starring Rhea Seehorn. She’s a fan of the medium first and foremost.
It’s actually pretty inspiring. Most people her age are treated as relics. Carol is treated as a peer by the biggest stars in the world. When she walked onto the stage at the Palm Royale finale event, the room didn't just clap; they stood up and stayed up.
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What Fans Can Do Next
If you’re feeling the "Carol Burnett" withdrawal already, there are a few ways to keep up with what she’s doing without stalking her at her home in Santa Barbara.
1. Watch the Palm Royale Finale
If you haven't finished Season 2 on Apple TV+, do it. The ending is wild—Norma drops a bombshell about a hidden letter and a betrayal involving the Dellacorte fortune. It’s some of her best work, mixing that trademark comedy with a genuine, icy menace.
2. Catch the FETV Reruns
The classic Carol Burnett Show is now airing daily at 12:50 AM EST on FETV. It’s the perfect "can’t sleep" TV. Or, if you prefer streaming, it’s still all over Tubi for free.
3. Keep an Eye on Production Credits
Since she’s moving "behind the scenes," start looking for her name in the executive producer credits of upcoming Apple TV+ projects. She’s mentioned she wants to produce a film and another series with the Palm Royale team.
4. Check Out "Pluribus"
Carol has basically bet her reputation on this show being the "hit of the season." Since she’s rarely wrong about what makes good TV, it’s worth adding to your watchlist.
Carol Burnett is doing exactly what she wants to do. She’s writing her own final chapter, and it doesn't involve a script someone else wrote for her. It involves her own voice, her own projects, and probably a very comfortable pair of sneakers. Honestly? Good for her.