What Time Does Jimmy Kimmel Live Air
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs weeknights on ABC in the United States. The standard start time is 11:35 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 10:35 PM Central Time (CT) / 8:35 PM Pacific Time (PT) following Nightline. In some regions, local scheduling may shift the start time by a few minutes due to station break formats or prior programming. The show runs Monday through Friday, with occasional specials and reruns on weekends or during holiday periods. Check your local ABC affiliate listing for precise times in your area, because affiliates may differ slightly from the network feed.
ABC Late Night Lineup and Typical Structure
Jimmy Kimmel Live is part of ABC’s late-night lineup and generally follows a consistent pattern across the broadcast season. Understanding this structure helps viewers anticipate when the show begins and how long it lasts. Local stations may insert brief promos or short news segments, which can shift the on-air start by a minute or two. The show traditionally airs after Nightline and before other late-night repeats or syndicated content. Times may vary on weekends and during network breaks.
Standard Eastern Time Schedule
- 11:35 PM ET: Jimmy Kimmel Live begins (Eastern Time)
- 12:30 AM ET: Featured segment or deep dive (typical)
- 1:00 AM ET: Monologue and major interviews
- 1:35 AM ET: Closing bits and previews
How to Find Your Local Show Time
Because television markets differ, the easiest way to confirm Jimmy Kimmel Live show time is to check your local ABC affiliate or use an official source. The network feed provides a baseline, but your cable, satellite, or over-the-air setup may affect the exact minute you see the show on your screen. Streaming services that carry live ABC also follow the network schedule, though buffering or regional restrictions can change perceived timing.
Historical Start Time Context
Jimmy Kimmel Live debuted in 2003 and has largely preserved its original late-night slot. Although there have been minor adjustments at the network level, the show’s time has remained stable. Variations were typically brief and tied to special events, election coverage, or network programming transitions. Long-term viewers will notice consistency, which reinforces the show’s role as a predictable part of the nightly routine.
Where to Watch and Stream
To reliably catch Jimmy Kimmel Live, use a combination of official sources and platform tools. This minimizes confusion when local schedules shift or when your provider reorganizes channels. Set-top boxes and smart TV apps often include reminder features that align with your local affiliate rather than the network feed.
Official Live Options
- ABC.com and the ABC app with TV provider login for live streams
- Local ABC station apps that mirror over-the-air broadcasts
- Cable and satellite on-demand libraries for same-day playback
Secondary and Delayed Access
- Streaming bundles that include ABC live, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream
- Network FAST channels and smart TV tune channels for live reruns
- Clips and full episodes on YouTube, Hulu, and digital stores within a few hours to the next day
Time Zones and Regional Differences
Because Jimmy Kimmel Live originates from Los Angeles and follows Pacific Time for production, viewers in different zones will see a time shift. In the Eastern Time Zone, the show usually appears later in the evening. Mountain and Central zones fall in between. If you move between regions or travel, expect a temporary mismatch until you check the new local listing.
Notable Schedule Exceptions
While the Jimmy Kimmel Live show time is highly consistent, certain events can cause temporary changes. Breaking news, major sports broadcasts, and special network programming may pre-empt or delay the start. Election nights, awards coverage, and live concerts can push the show to later in the evening or split it into a delayed broadcast. Always verify with your local station or trusted source when you suspect a schedule change.
Summary and Quick Reference
For most viewers, Jimmy Kimmel Live follows a dependable schedule tied to local ABC stations. The network feed starts at 11:35 PM ET weeknights, and you can usually trust your local listing with minimal deviation. Use the table below as a quick cross-check for primary time zones, and rely on official apps for the most accurate, location-based information.
Quick Reference Table
| Time Zone | Standard Start Time | Reference Period |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 11:35 PM | Typical network feed |
| Central (CT) | 10:35 PM | Typical network feed |
| Mountain (MT) | 9:35 PM | Typical network feed |
| Pacific (PT) | 8:35 PM | Typical network feed |
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Jimmy Kimmel Live always start at 11:35 PM Eastern?
On most weeknights, yes. Occasional delays or pre-emptions can shift the start by a few minutes, especially during major news or live events.
Can I watch the show live without cable?
Yes. Use the ABC app or a streaming service that includes live ABC. A TV provider login may be required depending on your location.
Why does the local time sometimes differ from network time?
Stations insert local promos, brief news updates, or adjust for technical scheduling. This causes minor variations from the national feed.
Are weekend showtimes different? Weekends often feature repeats, specials, or encores. Check your local listing for exact times if you’re looking for new episodes on non-weekdays. How can I set reminders for upcoming episodes?
Use the ABC app, your TV provider’s reminder feature, or calendar integrations to receive alerts. Many smart TV platforms also support automatic episode tracking.