Immunotherapy has long played an integral role in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, beginning with interleukin-2 and interferon-α and giving way to targeted therapies with advancements in understanding of tumor biology. More recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have presented a novel and promising therapeutic option for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a survival benefit for those with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as a relatively favorable side effect profile; these agents have subsequently become first-line therapy for this population. Still, there remains dearth of quality prospective data in several other populations, namely, those with refractory disease and those with non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The added value of checkpoint inhibitors in combination with surgical extirpation and radiation therapy has also not been fully established for patients with advanced kidney cancer.