Tonight, the question “Is Jimmy Kimmel new tonight?” comes with a nuanced answer. Jimmy Kimmel Live! is officially back on air after a brief suspension — but depending on where you live, you may or may not see a new episode on your local ABC station.
Latest Updates on Tonight’s Episode
The late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! faced a temporary suspension starting September 17, 2025, following controversy surrounding Kimmel’s on-air comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After several days off the air, ABC and The Walt Disney Company confirmed the show’s return to its regular time slot (weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET) beginning Tuesday, September 23.
However, the situation remains uneven nationwide. Two major affiliate groups — Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group — have chosen not to resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC stations. They replaced it with alternative programming, affecting approximately a quarter of ABC’s broadcast affiliates across the U.S.
This means that while the show itself is new and officially scheduled to air tonight, some regions will see reruns or substitute shows instead.
If you watch via streaming — such as Hulu or Disney+ — or through an ABC affiliate not owned by those broadcasting groups, you are likely to be able to watch a new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight.
What This Means for Viewers
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect depending on how you access ABC:
| Situation | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|
| Your local ABC affiliate is not owned by Nexstar or Sinclair | A new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET |
| Your ABC affiliate is owned by Nexstar or Sinclair | A rerun or alternate program will air instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live! |
| You watch ABC through streaming services (e.g., Hulu, Disney+) | A new episode is available regardless of affiliate ownership |
This distinction has left many U.S. viewers wondering if they’ll get a fresh episode tonight — especially those in markets where their local ABC affiliate is affected by the ongoing preemption.
Why Some Markets Aren’t Airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The controversy earlier this fall triggered strong reactions from certain affiliate groups, who temporarily pulled the program from their broadcast lineup. Even though ABC reinstated Kimmel’s show nationwide, Nexstar and Sinclair have continued their independent decision to keep it off the air.
Their reasoning centers on ensuring that all programming reflects local values and standards, though this stance has been criticized by some viewers who consider it an overreach. Despite these disputes, the official ABC schedule lists Jimmy Kimmel Live! as new and airing tonight.
Tonight’s Schedule: What to Expect
Here’s what U.S. viewers can expect depending on location and platform:
- Official Air Time: Weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET / 10:35 p.m. CT on ABC.
- New Episodes: ABC’s national feed is airing fresh episodes nightly following Nightline.
- Streaming Availability: Jimmy Kimmel Live! episodes typically appear on Hulu the following morning and may be available on Disney+ in select regions.
- Affiliate Variations: Some markets continue to substitute Jimmy Kimmel Live! with syndicated reruns or local programming due to ongoing station decisions.
If you’re uncertain whether your local ABC affiliate will show it, check your TV listings or the station’s official website for tonight’s lineup.
Guest Lineup and Show Highlights
For those able to watch, tonight’s new episode features a mix of celebrity guests, political satire, and topical humor reflecting the week’s biggest stories. Kimmel’s return has already drawn strong online engagement as fans celebrate the show’s comeback and address the controversies that briefly sidelined it.
The show’s signature blend of comedy monologues, sketches, and interviews continues to make it one of the most-watched late-night programs in the U.S., consistently drawing millions of viewers across broadcast and streaming.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s Return After Suspension
Jimmy Kimmel has faced controversies before, but his show has consistently rebounded thanks to its loyal fanbase and ABC’s long-standing confidence in him as a host. Following the brief suspension, Kimmel addressed his audience with a candid monologue upon returning to the air, emphasizing humor as a means of discussion rather than division.
The show’s reinstatement marked a significant decision by ABC, signaling the network’s commitment to its late-night lineup, which also includes Nightline and GMA3: What You Need to Know.
Streaming as a Reliable Option
For viewers frustrated by affiliate preemptions, streaming remains the best alternative. Hulu offers next-day streaming of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, ensuring that fans nationwide can stay up to date even if their local ABC station isn’t carrying the program.
Disney+ subscribers in regions that include ABC content also have access to recent episodes, often posted within 24 hours of broadcast.
This ensures that regardless of affiliate disputes or local programming changes, audiences can continue watching Jimmy Kimmel Live! and stay connected with Kimmel’s commentary on the latest cultural and political topics.
Public Response and Audience Sentiment
The show’s suspension sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers called for accountability, while others defended Kimmel’s right to express humor freely in the context of political commentary. When the show resumed, online engagement surged, with hashtags like #KimmelReturns trending across social media platforms.
Despite some affiliate resistance, national ratings for the show’s first week back were strong, reflecting both curiosity and continued viewer loyalty. Many fans noted that the show’s humor and tone remain consistent with its established style, and that Kimmel’s approach to current events continues to drive discussion in the late-night landscape.
Summary: So, Is Jimmy Kimmel New Tonight?
Yes — Jimmy Kimmel Live! is new tonight and officially returned to its normal schedule. However, not every ABC affiliate is airing it. If your station is owned by Nexstar or Sinclair, you might not see the episode on traditional television.
If you want to be sure, check your local listings or stream the show online through Hulu or Disney+ to watch the newest content.
In short: The show is back, new, and active — but its visibility depends on where and how you tune in.
If you’re wondering “is Jimmy Kimmel new tonight?” — yes, the show is airing fresh episodes again. But whether you can watch it depends entirely on your local ABC affiliate or streaming access.
Let us know in the comments if your local station is airing the new episode tonight or substituting it — we’d love to hear your experience and help other readers stay informed.