If you are searching for what time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight, the answer is that Jimmy Kimmel Live! broadcasts at 11:35 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on ABC. For decades, the late-night program has been a staple of American television, offering a mix of celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and live performances. As of September 2025, the show is back in its regular slot after a short suspension, though with a few changes in availability depending on your location.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Is Back on ABC
The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been one of the most talked-about moments in late-night TV this year. After a temporary suspension earlier in September, ABC confirmed that the show would resume on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The comeback episode featured actor Glen Powell and a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Sarah McLachlan.
However, not all ABC stations are airing the program. Major affiliates, including those owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, have chosen to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! in some regions. This means that while the show officially airs nationwide, its broadcast may not appear on every local ABC channel.
When Does Jimmy Kimmel Air?
The most common question viewers ask is: what time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight? The show follows a consistent schedule across U.S. time zones.
- Eastern Time (ET): 11:35 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 10:35 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 9:35 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 8:35 p.m.
Despite the consistency of this slot, viewers should always double-check their local listings, as preemptions or sports broadcasts can sometimes shift the schedule.
Where to Watch the Show
If your local ABC affiliate is not airing the program tonight, there are still multiple ways to tune in.
Television
- Standard ABC broadcast in markets where the show is not preempted.
- DVR options for those who prefer to record and watch later.
Streaming Services
- ABC.com with TV provider credentials.
- Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, and SlingTV, all of which carry ABC in many U.S. markets.
- Highlights and full segments available on the official Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube channel, often posted the morning after.
These streaming options ensure that fans never miss an episode, regardless of regional blackouts.
Tonight’s Guest Lineup
The guest list often helps determine whether fans make time to watch the show live or catch it online later. Tonight’s lineup includes:
- Ethan Hawke – celebrated actor, director, and writer.
- Lisa Ann Walter – actress and comedian, widely known for her role in Abbott Elementary.
- YUNGBLUD – chart-topping British singer and songwriter, serving as the evening’s musical guest.
Future episodes this week will feature other celebrities such as Oscar Nuñez and additional musical talent.
Why Some Stations Are Not Airing Jimmy Kimmel Tonight
While ABC has reinstated the show, affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! in certain markets. The decision comes after controversy earlier this month regarding remarks Kimmel made on-air.
These preemptions highlight the complex relationship between national networks and local affiliates. Even though ABC distributes the program nationally, local station owners ultimately have the choice to broadcast or replace it with alternative programming.
For viewers in affected markets, streaming services remain the best way to catch the show at its regular time.
The Importance of the 11:35 Slot
For years, the 11:35 p.m. ET time slot has been the cornerstone of late-night television. Competing shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS air at the exact same time.
This scheduling creates direct competition among the “big three” late-night programs. Each host brings a different style:
- Jimmy Kimmel is known for sharp political humor and celebrity-friendly interviews.
- Jimmy Fallon emphasizes musical skits and games.
- Stephen Colbert blends comedy with in-depth commentary.
Kimmel’s show has carved out its niche by balancing irreverent comedy with mainstream celebrity culture, making its 11:35 p.m. slot essential for fans who want an alternative to Fallon and Colbert.
History of Jimmy Kimmel’s Time Slot
Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered on January 26, 2003, originally following Nightline. At first, it faced challenges gaining viewership against long-established rivals. Over time, however, Kimmel’s ability to mix traditional late-night comedy with viral-friendly content helped the show secure its place in the competitive time slot.
Notable milestones include:
- Viral sketches such as “Mean Tweets” and “Celebrities Read Texts.”
- Memorable political interviews and live monologues.
- Hosting duties at the Academy Awards, which boosted Kimmel’s mainstream profile.
Through these moments, the show has become one of ABC’s most consistent late-night offerings.
Comparing Late-Night Competitors
For viewers deciding what to watch at 11:35 p.m., the choice often comes down to style:
| Show | Network | Air Time | Distinct Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel Live! | ABC | 11:35 p.m. ET | Political humor, celebrity interviews, viral sketches |
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | NBC | 11:35 p.m. ET | Music, games, light comedy |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | CBS | 11:35 p.m. ET | Political satire, sharp monologues, in-depth discussions |
This competition has kept late-night television fresh and evolving, with each program striving to outdo the others in ratings and online engagement.
How Fans Can Stay Updated
With broadcast interruptions still affecting some regions, fans who want to know what time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight should:
- Check their local ABC listings for confirmation.
- Bookmark ABC.com for streaming episodes.
- Follow the official Jimmy Kimmel Live! social media accounts, where updates on guests and show schedules are posted daily.
Summary
To recap:
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Some affiliates, such as Nexstar and Sinclair, may not broadcast the show in certain regions.
- Streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and YouTube TV offer alternative ways to watch.
- Tonight’s guests include Ethan Hawke, Lisa Ann Walter, and YUNGBLUD.
- The 11:35 time slot places the show in direct competition with Fallon and Colbert.
Conclusion
The answer to what time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight is simple: the late-night show airs at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC, just as it has for years. Despite recent controversy and selective preemptions by some affiliates, the show remains widely available on television and streaming platforms.
Will you be tuning in to watch Jimmy Kimmel tonight, or do you prefer catching the highlights online the next day? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.