Launch date and premiere context
The Jimmy Kimmel Show premiered on ABC on September 12, 2016, as the lead-in to Nightline. It launched after Kimmel Live ended its run on Late Night, filling a large-network late-night window with a mix of monologues, sketches, and celebrity interviews. The debut followed months of announcements and positioned Kimmel as the host of a new effort for both ABC and his post–Jimmy Kimmel Live! trajectory.
Background: transition from nights to a network show
Before this show, Kimmel was best known for late-period talk entries and his Comedy Central series Jackass. The move to ABC was framed as his first nightly, advertiser-supported network program. Planning had been reported in trade outlets throughout 2015, and the choice of September 2016 aligned with ABC’s late-night schedule refresh. Industry coverage treated the launch as a notable network investment in a personality-driven, late-evening program on a broadcast platform.
Premiere week and early episode details
- Premiere episode (September 12, 2016) featured a monologue, recurring bits, and prominent celebrity guests, establishing a tone that balanced topical comedy with accessible interview segments.
- Early episodes were taped at ABC Television Center in Los Angeles and frequently referenced the transition from Kimmel Live! to a new timeslot and production context.
- Ratings for the premiere were discussed widely in press, with emphasis on how the show performed against other late-night entries on broadcast and cable.
Timeslot, lead-in, and scheduling
The program airs weeknights in the United States on ABC local affiliates, generally following Nightline in most markets. This scheduling anchored it as the concluding late-night entry on the network, leveraging Nightline’s consistent viewership while giving Kimmel a national platform tied to a major broadcast brand. The exact air time varies by affiliate, typically between 12:05 a.m. and 1:05 a.m. local time, depending on how each station handles Nightline and other late-evening commitments.
Typical affiliate scheduling pattern
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Network platform | ABC Owned Television Stations and affiliated groups | Broadcast scheduling documentation |
| Standard lead-in | Nightline in most markets | Affiliate press kits and listings |
| Common local start window | 12:05–1:05 a.m. local time | Published station schedules |
| Weekend handling | Not part of regular weekly cycle; occasional specials | Program guides and press releases |
Key milestones in the show’s run
Since its launch in 2016, the program has reached multiple season anniversaries, updated sets, and shifts in recurring segments. Notable points in its history include holiday specials, high-profile interviews, and changes in writing and producing staff that affected the show’s rhythm. Coverage of these milestones has typically come from entertainment trade reporting and occasional statements from ABC Publicity, which helps track how the show has evolved within the late-night landscape.
How this show compares to Kimmel’s earlier work
The Jimmy Kimmel Show is distinct from both Jimmy Kimmel Live! (a cable late-night program) and Jackass-style stunt programming. Its structure mirrors traditional late-night formats with an emphasis on topical jokes, field pieces, and celebrity conversations tailored to a broadcast audience. This positioning has been consistent through ABC renewals and has factored into discussions about the health and scheduling of broadcast late-night programming overall.
Evergreen context and common questions
- Is the show still on air? Yes, as of the most recent public renewals covered by entertainment press.
- Does it air every weeknight? Generally yes, with rare preemptions tied to special programming or local needs.
- Where can viewers watch? On ABC local affiliates and, where offered, through their live streams or cable/satellite providers.
- Has the format changed since 2016? Core elements remain, though specific segments and staff have evolved across seasons.
Quick comparison table
| Attribute | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Premiere date | September 12, 2016 | First episode and network launch |
| Typical airtime | After Nightline, roughly 12:05–1:05 a.m. | Local affiliate variations apply |
| Network | ABC | Owned and affiliate-sourced distribution |
| Host | Jimmy Kimmel | Continuity with earlier Kimmel projects |
| Content style | Late-night talk with monologue, bits, interviews | Fits the evergreen late-night format pattern |
| Ongoing status | Active through recent renewals | Subject to future schedule updates |
Where to check for schedule changes
For the most current local times and any adjustments due to sports, news extensions, or special events, consult your local ABC affiliate or an up-to-date TV listings service. Network press releases and official show channels may provide notices about one-off specials or broader programming shifts.