Late-night television is a strange beast. You’d think in an era of TikTok clips and YouTube highlights, nobody would care about a specific linear broadcast time anymore. But for millions, the ritual remains. Finding the correct jimmy kimmel tv show time is still a nightly hurdle for fans who want to see the monologue as it happens, rather than catching the leftovers on social media the next morning.
Honestly, it gets a bit confusing depending on where you live.
The Standard Jimmy Kimmel TV Show Time
If you are looking for the short answer: Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. For those of you living in the Central or Mountain time zones, the show typically slides into the 10:35 p.m. CT/MT slot. This 11:35 p.m. start time isn't just a random choice; it’s a strategic position that ABC has fought for since 2013. Before that, Kimmel was stuck in the "post-midnight" graveyard at 12:05 a.m., following Nightline.
The swap with Nightline changed everything. It put Jimmy on a level playing field with heavyweights like Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert.
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Why the Time Matters in 2026
You might have heard some noise recently about the show's future. Late last year, there was some genuine drama regarding Jimmy’s contract. Rumors swirled that he might walk away when his deal expired in May 2026. However, ABC recently confirmed a one-year extension. This keeps the show in its usual 11:35 p.m. slot through the 2026–27 TV season.
Basically, the "standard" time isn't going anywhere for a while.
Breaking Down the 2026 Schedule
The show runs weeknights, Monday through Friday. But here’s the kicker: Friday is usually a "best of" or a rerun night. If you’re looking for fresh material and live reactions to the day's news, Monday through Thursday are your target nights.
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For the week of January 12–16, 2026, the guest lineup is actually pretty stacked:
- Wednesday, Jan 14: Johnny Knoxville (discussing Fear Factor: House of Fear) and Ed Sheeran.
- Thursday, Jan 15: Chris Pratt (promoting Mercy) and Jessie Buckley.
- Friday, Jan 16: Typically a repeat or "best-of" segments.
One major shift to watch out for this year is the reduction in musical guests. Historically, Kimmel featured a band or singer almost every single night. Starting in January 2026, the show is scaling back to roughly two musical performances per week. It’s a budget-saving move that most of the late-night circuit is adopting. If you’re tuning in specifically for the music, you’ll want to check the listings ahead of time so you don't end up with just an extra comedy sketch instead.
Where to Stream if You Miss the Live Broadcast
If 11:35 p.m. is past your bedtime—which, let's be real, it is for most people with a 9-to-5—you've got options.
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- Hulu: This is the primary home for the show. New episodes usually drop at 3:00 a.m. ET the morning after they air.
- Disney+: Since ABC is under the Disney umbrella, you can now find full episodes streaming there as well.
- YouTube: If you only care about the monologue or the "Mean Tweets" segments, the official YouTube channel is your best friend. They usually upload the big clips within an hour of the West Coast broadcast finishing.
A Note on Local Variations
Sometimes, local ABC affiliates might mess with the jimmy kimmel tv show time. If there’s a local news special or a massive sports event (like an NBA post-game show), Kimmel might be pushed back by 30 minutes.
This happened quite a bit during the recent affiliate disputes with Sinclair and Nexstar. While those issues have mostly been smoothed out as of early 2026, it's always worth double-checking your local on-screen guide if the show isn't starting exactly at 11:35.
How to Make Sure You Never Miss an Episode
The most reliable way to stay updated is to use the ABC app or a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo. These services allow you to "DVR" the show digitally.
To ensure you are catching the most current episodes, verify your local listings for the ABC affiliate in your specific zip code. This prevents the frustration of tuning in only to find a local news report on a winter storm or a regional election.
Set your recordings for 11:35 p.m. ET/PT and look for the "New" tag in your guide to avoid old reruns from the 2025 season.