You’re sitting on the couch, remote in hand, wondering what on earth is actually on Channel 7 right now. It happens. You’d think in 2026, with all our fancy tech, we wouldn’t have to hunt for a simple KABC TV schedule tonight, but here we are. ABC7 Los Angeles remains the heavyweight champion of SoCal broadcasting, yet finding a clear, no-nonsense rundown of their evening slate can sometimes feel like a chore.
Local TV isn't dead. Not even close.
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While everyone talks about streaming fatigue, millions of us still tune in for the comfort of the 11 PM news or the high-stakes drama of Grey’s Anatomy or The Bachelorette. There’s something about the shared experience of live broadcast that Netflix just can't touch. But if you miss the start of Jeopardy! because you couldn't find the start time, the night's basically ruined.
What the Prime Time Block Looks Like Right Now
Most weeknights on KABC follow a rhythm that’s more predictable than a 405 traffic jam, yet just as essential. Usually, the heavy lifting starts around 8:00 PM. That is when the network pulls out the big guns.
If it’s a Monday, you’re likely looking at a massive block of reality dating or high-octane procedural drama. Tuesdays often lean into the comedy or light-drama vibe. But here is the thing: sports. If there is a Monday Night Football game or an NBA playoff match involving the Lakers or Clippers, throw the standard KABC TV schedule tonight out the window. ABC loves a good simulcast with ESPN, and local programming gets bumped faster than a contestant on The Bachelor.
Honestly, the local news is the real heartbeat of the station. David Muir leads into the local Eyewitness News team, and that 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM block is a marathon. By the time you get to the 7:00 PM hour, you've got the classic double-header of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. It is a Southern California tradition. If you aren't shouting "Before and After" answers at Marc Brown or Rachel Brown, are you even living in LA?
The Jeopardy! Factor
It starts at 7:00 PM. Every night.
Ken Jennings has settled into that podium quite nicely, hasn't he? For KABC viewers, Jeopardy! acts as the bridge between the heavy lifting of the evening news and the "brain-off" entertainment of prime time. Then comes Wheel at 7:30 PM. Ryan Seacrest has taken over the mantle from Pat Sajak, and while the vibe has shifted slightly, the game remains the same.
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Breaking Down the Late Night Shift
Once the clock hits 10:00 PM, the tone shifts. On many nights, ABC is running their flagship newsmagazine 20/20 or a late-hour drama. But for those of us in the Pacific Time Zone, the 11:00 PM Eyewitness News is the gold standard.
Why do we watch it?
Because we need to know if the 101 is going to be a nightmare tomorrow morning. We need to know if that brush fire in the Santa Clarita Valley is contained. KABC has always leaned heavily on their "Circle 7" branding and their fleet of helicopters. It’s comforting.
Then, at 11:35 PM, Jimmy Kimmel takes over. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is taped right there on Hollywood Boulevard, just a few miles from the KABC studios in Glendale. It feels local. Even though it's a national show, the frequent references to Los Angeles landmarks make it feel like "our" late-night show. Following Jimmy, you’ve got Nightline, which is for the folks who want a bit more substance before they pass out.
Special Events and the "Schedule Shift"
You have to keep an eye on the Oscars. Since ABC is the home of the Academy Awards, the weeks leading up to the ceremony see the KABC TV schedule tonight get cluttered with "Road to the Oscars" specials and red-carpet previews.
- Live Sports: If there's an NBA game, the news might get pushed to 11:30 PM or even midnight.
- Breaking News: This is Los Angeles. If there’s a high-speed pursuit, KABC will break into regular programming. It’s part of the culture.
- Pre-emptions: Occasionally, a local town hall or a political debate will take over the 7:00 PM hour.
Why Browsing the Digital Guide is Often a Mess
Ever tried using those "What's on TV" websites? They are a disaster. Pop-up ads, "You won a million dollars" banners, and schedules that haven't been updated since 2022. It’s frustrating.
The most reliable way to check the KABC TV schedule tonight is actually through the station’s own website or their ABC7 Los Angeles app. They keep it updated in real-time. If a game goes into overtime, the app reflects the delay. Most third-party "TV Listings" sites are just scraping data and don't account for the fact that a press conference by the LAPD Chief might have bumped the first twenty minutes of General Hospital.
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Speaking of General Hospital, that 2:00 PM slot is sacred. If you're looking for the schedule tonight, you've likely missed the Port Charles drama, but the station often runs "Encore" segments or digital shorts on their streaming platforms like Hulu or the ABC site.
The Saturday Night Anomaly
Saturday nights are weird on KABC.
Usually, you get a mix of syndicated programming, maybe some S.W.A.T. reruns, or a movie of the week. But during college football season? It’s all about the "Saturday Night Football" on ABC. The schedule becomes a giant block of gridiron action that can last until 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM local time. If you’re waiting for the news on a Saturday, be prepared to wait.
Actionable Steps for the Viewer
Stop guessing and start watching. If you want the most accurate information for what's happening on Channel 7 over the next few hours, do these three things:
- Check the ABC7 Weather & News App: They have a dedicated "Live" tab that shows what is currently airing and what is coming up next. It is much faster than scrolling through a cable box menu.
- Follow the Weather Team on X (Twitter): Meteorologists like Dallas Raines or Leslie Lopez often tweet out if the news is being delayed by a sporting event or a special report.
- Use an Antenna: If your cable goes out or your internet is acting up, a simple $20 digital antenna will pull in KABC in crystal-clear 1080i. In LA, the signal is incredibly strong because of the transmitters on Mt. Wilson.
The KABC TV schedule tonight is more than just a list of shows; it’s the background noise of life in Southern California. Whether you’re here for the "Final Jeopardy" clue or just want to see the latest 7-day forecast, knowing where to look saves you from the frustration of clicking through a hundred channels only to realize you missed the best part of the show. Keep your eyes on the clock and your remote handy.