Finding the right spot to catch Jimmy Kimmel these days is actually more complicated than it used to be. You'd think it’s as simple as turning on the TV at 11:35 p.m., but between streaming rights, regional blackouts, and the sheer number of platforms out there, things get messy fast. Plus, Kimmel has been in the headlines lately for more than just his monologues—including a brief suspension back in late 2025 and his big win at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards—so people are looking for him in record numbers.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the "Mean Tweets" segment or you just want to see him roast the latest political headlines, you need to know which apps actually have the new episodes.
Where to Watch Jimmy Kimmel Tonight
If you want the traditional experience, ABC is still the home base. The show airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT. Most people just set their DVR and call it a day, but if you've cut the cord, you have to look toward live TV streaming services.
Essentially, any service that carries your local ABC affiliate will work. This includes:
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- Hulu + Live TV: This is usually the easiest route because it’s a Disney-owned property.
- YouTube TV: Reliable, but it’ll cost you about $83 a month.
- FuboTV: Great if you’re also a sports fan, though the interface can be a bit busy.
- DirecTV Stream: Pricey, but it’s basically cable through your Wi-Fi.
One thing to watch out for? Some local station owners, like Nexstar and Sinclair, have been known to preempt the show with their own local broadcasts in certain markets. If you live in one of those areas, your "Live" feed might actually be a local news repeat. Frustrating, right?
Streaming Jimmy Kimmel on Demand
Most of us aren't staying up until midnight on a Tuesday. Honestly, who has the energy? If you're looking to watch the next morning, you’ve got two main choices.
Hulu and Disney+ both stream new episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! the day after they air. Typically, you'll see the previous night's show pop up around 6:00 a.m. ET. Interestingly, there was a massive spike in people trying to figure out where to watch Jimmy Kimmel last September when ABC briefly pulled him off the air after some controversial comments about Charlie Kirk. It actually caused a noticeable dip in Disney+ subscriptions for a minute there. But he’s back now, and the episodes are right where they used to be.
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Is it free on YouTube?
Kinda. If you don't care about the full 40-minute broadcast, the Jimmy Kimmel Live official YouTube channel is a goldmine. They upload the monologue, the big celebrity interviews, and the musical performances almost immediately after they air. For most people, this is actually the better way to watch because you can skip the fluff and get straight to the jokes.
What's Happening on the Show in 2026?
The vibe in the studio has changed a bit lately. After the death of long-time bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, the house band was renamed The Cletones in late 2025 as a tribute. They’re still the backbone of the show, keeping the energy high between segments with Guillermo.
The guest list for early 2026 has been pretty stacked, too. We’ve seen:
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- Michael B. Jordan promoting his thriller Sinners.
- Johnny Knoxville talking about the new Fear Factor revival.
- Ed Sheeran performing tracks from his latest album, Play.
- Chris Pratt stopping by to chat about his sci-fi project Mercy.
Troubleshooting Your Stream
If you’re trying to watch and keep getting a "Content Not Available" error, it’s probably a geo-block. This happens a lot if you’re traveling outside the U.S. or if your ISP is routing your traffic through a different region. Some folks use a VPN to get around this, but keep in mind that services like Hulu are getting better at spotting that and might block the connection anyway.
Another tip: if you’re using a Roku or Fire Stick, make sure the ABC app is updated. Sometimes the live stream feature glitches out if the software is even one version behind.
Actionable Next Steps for You
- Check your local listings: If you have an antenna, scan your channels to see if you get ABC for free over the air. It’s the only way to watch without a monthly bill.
- Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: If you only have 10 minutes a day, just hit the bell icon on his YouTube page. You’ll get the monologue delivered to your feed every morning.
- Bundle Up: If you’re already paying for Disney+ and Hulu separately, check for the "Disney Bundle" deals. It’s usually cheaper than paying for them individually just to get your Kimmel fix.
The late-night landscape is shifting, and while Kimmel says the format will have to change eventually, for now, he’s still the king of the 11:35 slot.