If you tuned into ABC tonight hoping to see California Governor Gavin Newsom trading barbs and political talking points with Jimmy Kimmel, you might be feeling a little confused. There's been a ton of chatter lately about Newsom’s media blitz. People are talking. The internet is buzzing. But was Gavin Newsom on Jimmy Kimmel tonight, January 15, 2026?
The short answer is no. Tonight’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! actually featured a very different lineup. Instead of a deep dive into California policy or Newsom’s ongoing friction with the Trump administration, the couch was occupied by Hollywood heavyweights. Specifically, we saw Chris Pratt promoting his new sci-fi thriller Mercy and Jessie Buckley discussing her role in the film Hamnet.
It’s easy to see why people are asking, though. Newsom has basically become a permanent fixture on the late-night circuit lately. Honestly, it feels like every time you turn on the TV, he’s there defending a new policy or nipping at the heels of federal leadership.
Why Everyone Thought Gavin Newsom Was on Kimmel Tonight
So, why the confusion? It isn't just random.
Back in late 2025, there was a massive drama involving ABC, Sinclair Broadcasting, and Jimmy Kimmel. You might remember the headlines. ABC briefly pulled Kimmel off the air after some controversial remarks he made, and Gavin Newsom was one of the loudest voices defending him. He called the network's move "spineless." When Kimmel finally returned to the airwaves, Newsom was his big "comeback" guest. That episode left a mark on people’s memories.
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Fast forward to early 2026, and Newsom is everywhere. He just gave his 2026 State of the State address on January 8th. Since then, he’s been on a "Resilience Tour" of sorts. He’s been popping up on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and doing rounds on cable news.
When a politician is that active, search engines start smoking. People just assume he’s the guest of the night because, well, he usually is.
Tonight’s Real Lineup: January 15, 2026
If you missed the show, here is who actually showed up on the stage tonight:
- Chris Pratt: He spent a good chunk of time talking about his role in Mercy. It’s that movie where he has to prove he’s innocent to an AI judge. Kinda meta, right?
- Jessie Buckley: She was there to talk about Hamnet, which is a fictionalized look at Shakespeare’s family life. Very different vibe from the AI thriller.
- Guillermo Rodriguez: This was actually a big night for the show’s sidekick. Guillermo officially launched "Guillermo’s Salsa" in Costco stores today. Jimmy spent a decent amount of time mocking/celebrating the "Mustache Club" and the fact that you can now literally eat Guillermo’s American dream.
The Newsom Media Strategy: Why He’s Always "Almost" on TV
Gavin Newsom isn't just doing these interviews for fun. He's clearly building a national profile for 2028. Experts like those cited in recent Illinois Times reports suggest that Newsom—along with guys like JB Pritzker—is using late-night TV to "needle" the current administration.
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By appearing on Kimmel or Colbert, Newsom gets to speak to a massive, younger, and generally more liberal audience without the "stiffness" of a press conference. He can be funny. He can wear the no-tie look. He can be "Governor Cool" while also dropping heavy stats about California’s economy.
Basically, he’s trying to stay relevant. If you thought he was on tonight, it’s because his PR team is doing a great job of making him feel omnipresent.
Is he scheduled for later this week?
As of right now, there is no official confirmation that Newsom will be back on Kimmel tomorrow (Friday). Late-night schedules can be fickle, though. Sometimes a guest drops out at the last minute and a "friend of the show" like Newsom—who lives in the same state where the show is filmed—can fill a seat pretty quickly.
But for tonight, January 15, the seat was empty of politicians.
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How to Check the Kimmel Schedule Yourself
If you’re ever in doubt and don't want to rely on the "gut feeling" that a politician is following you through your TV screen, there are a few places that are always updated:
- The 1iota Website: This is where people get tickets for the show. If a guest is big enough to be announced, they’ll be listed here days in advance.
- Kimmel’s Instagram: They usually post a "Tonight's Lineup" graphic around 2:00 PM PT every day.
- ABC Press Releases: This is the most "official" way, though it's a bit dry to read.
What’s Next for Newsom?
Since he wasn't on Kimmel tonight, what is he doing? He’s currently focused on the fallout from his State of the State address. There are a lot of eyes on how he handles the new federal mandates regarding ICE and National Guard deployments. Expect to see him back on a late-night couch—probably Colbert’s or Kimmel’s—within the next month as the 2026 midterm cycle starts to heat up.
If you really want to see him in a "kinda" casual setting, your best bet is to check his recent YouTube clips from the Late Show or the Daily Show. He’s been doing those "behind the scenes" digital exclusives that honestly feel more authentic than the televised interviews anyway.
If you were looking for political fireworks tonight, you might have to settle for Chris Pratt fighting a computer. Not quite the same as a Newsom-Kimmel banter session, but hey, it’s still entertainment.
Keep an eye on the Friday night schedule. While tonight was a bust for Newsom fans, the "Resilience Tour" isn't over yet. He's bound to pop up again soon, likely when there's a fresh controversy to weigh in on.
To stay updated on the most accurate guest lists, bookmark the official ABC Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode guide or follow their social media accounts directly for real-time updates before the West Coast broadcast airs.