Late-night TV is usually a predictable dance. You get the monologue, the desk bits, the two actors hawking their latest streaming project, and a musical guest. But honestly, Wednesday night on ABC looks like it’s going off the rails in the best way possible.
If you’re wondering about Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight, clear your schedule. We aren’t just getting a standard couch interview; we’re getting the man who turned self-inflicted trauma into an art form: Johnny Knoxville.
Why Tonight’s Guest List is a Chaos Magnet
Johnny Knoxville is stopping by to talk about Fear Factor: House of Fear. If you thought the original show was intense, imagine it filtered through the brain of the guy who once let a bull charge him in a tuxedo. Knoxville has spent decades perfecting the art of the "bad idea," and his return to the world of gross-out stunts and phobia-triggering challenges is basically a match made in heaven—or hell, depending on how you feel about eating bugs.
Expect Jimmy to dig into the inevitable injuries. It’s a staple of any Knoxville interview. They’ll likely show a clip that makes the audience groan in unison while Johnny sits there with that signature, mischievous grin.
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Joining the chaos is Chase Infiniti. She’s currently riding a massive wave of momentum following her performance in One Battle After Another. She’s been popping up all over the awards circuit lately—SAG, Critics’ Choice, Golden Globes—and seeing her play off Knoxville’s energy should be a fun contrast. She’s the rising star; he’s the guy who has likely broken every bone in his body at least once.
The Ed Sheeran Performance Everyone is Texting About
While the interviews are the meat, the musical guest tonight is the absolute standout. Ed Sheeran is the billed performer, promoting his latest album Play. But he isn’t coming alone.
Earlier today, the show’s official Instagram dropped a photo that sent the music world into a bit of a tailspin. Ed isn't just standing there with an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal. He has assembled a legitimate "supergroup" for tonight’s set.
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We’re talking:
- Dave Grohl (Yes, the Foo Fighters frontman is apparently on drums/guitar duty).
- John Mayer (Lending that specific bluesy guitar flair).
- Pino Palladino (One of the greatest bassists to ever touch the instrument).
- Rami Jaffee (Keyboardist for the Foo Fighters).
This isn't a normal promo performance. It’s an event. When you get Grohl and Mayer on the same stage to back up Sheeran, you aren't just playing a single; you’re making a statement. Rumor has it the soundcheck was loud enough to rattle the windows on Hollywood Boulevard.
The Monologue: Politics and "Teddy Dozevelt"
Kimmel has been on a tear lately. If you’ve missed the last few nights, he’s been leaning heavily into the "Teddy Dozevelt" nickname for Donald Trump. This stems from recent reports and video montages Kimmel has been airing that show the former president appearing to nod off during various meetings and summits.
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Tonight’s monologue will undoubtedly pivot to the latest headlines. Kimmel has been particularly vocal about the ICE shooting of Renee Good and the subsequent resignation of federal prosecutors in Minnesota. It’s a heavy topic, but Jimmy has a way of weaving that late-night "can you believe this?" energy into his punchlines.
He’ll likely roast the administration's recent claims about the Minneapolis protests being "fake," contrasting the political drama with his usual jabs at the Hollywood elite.
How to Catch the Show
If you’re watching live, it’s the usual time: 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.
For the cord-cutters, the clips usually hit YouTube by 3:00 a.m. ET. Honestly, if you only watch one segment, make it the musical performance. This kind of collaboration—Sheeran, Grohl, and Mayer—is the type of thing people talk about on social media for the next three days.
Actionable Next Steps
- Set your DVR: If you can’t stay up until midnight, make sure you record this one specifically for the musical set. It’s rare to see that much talent on a small talk-show stage.
- Check YouTube early: If you're on the East Coast and value your sleep, the Ed Sheeran "Supergroup" performance will be the first thing uploaded to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube channel tomorrow morning.
- Follow the social feeds: Keep an eye on the show's Twitter/X and Instagram throughout the night. They often post "digital exclusives" or behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage of these big musical collaborations that don't make the final broadcast.
Tonight is a rare blend of nostalgia, high-stakes stunts, and genuine musical history. Don't miss it.