Current TV status at a glance
As of 2026, Jimmy Kimmel remains active in television, but his main nightly show on ABC has ended. He no longer hosts a nightly late-night talk show on broadcast or cable, yet he continues to appear on ABC programming, hosts prime-time specials, and produces content through his company Kimmelot. This explainer clarifies where you can find him now and what his TV presence looks like today.
Jimmy Kimmel Live: what changed and when
The nightly run (2003–2022)
Jimmy Kimmel hosted a nightly talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on ABC from January 26, 2003, through April 1, 2022. For nearly 20 years, it was a staple of late-night across broadcast and cable. The show featured celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, musical performances, and recurring bits, airing after local news in most U.S. markets.
Transition and finale
In late 2021, Kimmel announced that the show would end as part of a broader shift in late-night and streaming strategy. The final nightly episode aired on April 1, 2022. Although the nightly series concluded, ABC and Kimmelot have continued to collaborate on occasional prime-time specials and docuseries, which keeps him visible on broadcast TV even without a nightly show.
Where you can find Jimmy Kimmel now
- Prime-time specials: ABC airs Jimmy Kimmel–produced one-off specials, including awards-show recaps, documentary-style programs, and live events.
- Jimmy Kimmel: The Chairman’s Wife: A conversational series offering a look behind the scenes of his career and personal interests.
- Producing and developing: Through Kimmelot, he develops unscripted and scripted projects for TV and streaming platforms.
- Guest appearances and interviews: He periodically appears on other network and cable programs for interviews or to promote projects.
Career context and background
Jimmy Kimmel emerged in the late 1990s as a radio host in Las Vegas before transitioning to television. He co-created and starred in The Man Show and Win Ben Stein’s Money, which helped build his comedic and executive producing profile. His late-night tenure on ABC established him as a durable talk-show host, known for mix of celebrity access, political jokes, and heartfelt segments.
Verified overview of key milestones
| Date or Period | Milestone | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Co-created Win Ben Stein’s Money (Comedy Central) | Established his TV comedy and hosting chops |
| 2003–2022 | Hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! nightly on ABC | Defined his late-night career and public profile |
| 2007 | Co-created and hosted Academy Awards pre-show (until 2016) | Expanded his presence into major awards events |
| 2021 | Announced nightly show would end | Marked the close of an era in late-night TV |
| 2022 | Final nightly episode aired (April 1) | Shifted focus to specials and producing |
| 2023–2026 | Prime-time specials and new series development | Continues TV presence post–nightly show |
How Jimmy Kimmel’s role has evolved
Kimmel’s career has moved from hosting a nightly talk show to a portfolio model centered on premium specials, producing, and strategic partnerships. He remains a prominent television personality due to high-profile projects, strong branding, and consistent public recognition. While he is not hosting a nightly program, he is still working within the TV ecosystem.
Comparison snapshot: Jimmy Kimmel hosting formats (2003 vs 2026)
| Aspect | 2003–2022 | 2023–2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary show | Nightly Jimmy Kimmel Live! | No nightly show |
| Format | Mon–Fri talk show | Prime-time specials and developing new series |
| Network | ABC (primary) | ABC (specials) + independent producing via Kimmelot |
| Role | Host, executive producer | Executive producer, creator, occasional on-air talent |
| Typical appearance | Daily monologues and interviews | Occasional interviews, event hosting, behind-the-camera work |
Common questions and quick clarifications
Because his nightly show ended, viewers often wonder whether he is still on TV at all. He is not currently hosting a nightly talk show, but he remains visible through specials and producing. His absence from nightly TV reflects broader industry shifts rather than a departure from television entirely.
What to expect going forward
Kimmel will likely continue to appear on ABC for milestone events, documentaries, and curated specials. His company, Kimmelot, will keep him in the development pipeline for new unscripted and scripted projects. Given his track record and industry relationships, he is positioned to remain a fixture in broadcast television even without a nightly program.
Quick takeaways
- He is not on a nightly talk show anymore, but he is still working in TV.
- ABC airs his specials and he produces content through Kimmelot.
- His role has shifted from host to creator/executive producer.
- You can find him on air for one-off programs and major events.
- He remains a well-recognized TV personality with ongoing industry relevance.
Bottom line
Jimmy Kimmel is not on a nightly television show as of 2026, but he continues to appear on ABC, produce content, and remain visible in television. His career has transitioned from hosting a nightly talk show to focusing on premium specials and producing, ensuring he remains an active—if different—presence on TV.
Tags: tv-presence, broadcast-career, abc-specials