When does Jimmy Kimmel Live air: the basic schedule
Jimmy Kimmel Live typically airs weeknights at 11:35PM ET / 10:35PM CT after Nightline on ABC affiliates, with exact local start times varying by market. On the West Coast, the show usually begins at 8:35PM PT. The program is produced in Los Angeles and follows Nightline in most time zones, making it part of a late-evening block rather than prime-time.
Weekend episodes and special presentations may follow different timing, and reruns often appear later in the evening or overnight depending on the station. For the most reliable information, always check your local ABC listing or the official schedule on the show website, because affiliate feeds and time zone differences can shift the on-air slot by an hour or more.
How to find your local Jimmy Kimmel Live start time
Check your TV provider or station website
Because ABC is a network of affiliated stations, the exact minute a show starts can differ in each market. Use these steps to confirm the time in your city:
- Open your local ABC station’s website or app and review the program schedule for the current date.
- Visit the ABC network schedule page and enter your ZIP code or city to see the local listings.
- Check your cable, satellite, or streaming TV guide for the channel carrying ABC in your area.
Account for time zones and delays
Jimmy Kimmel Live originates from Los Angeles, so viewers in other zones see the show at different clock times:
| U.S. Time Zone | Typical local live start time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific (PST/PDT) | ~8:35PM | Same time as West Coast broadcast |
| Mountain (MST/MDT) | ~9:35PM | Common delayed feed in mountain states |
| Central (CST/CDT) | ~10:35PM | Central stations often tape-delay or follow network slot |
| Eastern (EST/EDT) | ~11:35PM | Often the network-prescribed slot on many affiliates |
Times are approximate and can shift by 15–30 minutes depending on overruns from late news, local commercials, or technical delays. In markets with significant tape delays, the program may air closer to midnight local time.
Jimmy Kimmel Live vs other late-night shows: scheduling context
On ABC, Kimmel typically follows Nightline, whereas on competing networks, hosts occupy adjacent time slots. If you are comparing across networks, the following pattern is common for weeknights:
- Late local news: ~11PM ET
- Jimmy Kimmel Live (live): ~11:35PM ET on ABC
- Jimmy Fallon (NBC): ~12:00AM ET
- Stephen Colbert (CBS): ~12:30AM ET
- James Corden (CBS): ~12:30AM ET (historically)
This positioning places Kimmel in the late-access block, which may affect live ratings but remains consistent for viewers who plan around the post–Nightline schedule.
Streaming, on-demand, and international options
Live streaming and apps
Viewers can watch Jimmy Kimmel Live live on the ABC app with TV provider login, on Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, and other authenticated services that carry the local ABC affiliate. Without a TV subscription, some clips and full episodes may be available on Hulu, ABC.com, and YouTube after broadcast, though blackout rules may apply.
Time-sensitive availability and geo-blocks
Full episodes are usually available on demand for several days, but international viewers may encounter geo-restrictions. If you are abroad, using an authorized U.S. streaming service with a TV provider login or a VPN that terminates in the United States can restore access, though this may violate terms of service. Always prioritize official platforms to support the show.
Special weeks, holidays, and schedule changes
During major holiday periods, the show may pause for multiple days or air a reduced episode count. Election coverage, late-breaking news, and awards-week substitutions can also alter the routine start time or replace the show with a special broadcast. When in doubt, check the official schedule the same day, and consider enabling notifications from the ABC app or your streaming service for lineup changes.
Why exact local times vary: the affiliate factor
ABC affiliates negotiate the network feed to fit local preferences, which means the 11:35PM ET national cue may be treated as a firm start time or softened to a recommended window. Stations may insert extra promos, bump weather segments earlier, or let a talk-heavy Nightline push Jimmy Kimmel Live later. If you have noticed inconsistencies week to week, this is usually due to local scheduling choices rather than a change in the network’s intended time.
Quick reference: how to confirm tonight’s start time
- Open the ABC app or local affiliate site and check the program grid for the current date.
- Consult your TV provider’s on-screen guide and search for "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
- If you use a smart TV or streaming device, add the live-TV app that carries ABC and set a reminder for your local channel number.
- For frequent viewing, save the station’s schedule page as a favorite to avoid searching each night.