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The Definitive Guide To Jimmy Kimmel Live! Air Time: Schedule, Time Zones, And How To Watch Tonight

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For fans eager to catch the latest monologue, celebrity interviews, and hilarious segments, the standard air time for Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains a cornerstone of the late-night television schedule. As of today, December 18, 2025, the show consistently airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) network at its long-standing and competitive time slot, but knowing the precise minute the show starts—and understanding the vital time zone differences—is key to tuning in live and avoiding spoilers. The show, which has been a staple of the late-night landscape for over two decades, is a must-watch for its blend of topical political humor, celebrity appearances, and signature street-side pranks.

The definitive answer to "What time does Jimmy Kimmel Live! air?" is 11:35 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on weeknights, Monday through Friday, a time slot it secured over a decade ago to compete directly with other major late-night players. However, this time is not universal across the United States. Viewers in the Central Time Zone get a slight head start, while those on the West Coast often receive a delayed feed, making the show's title, Live!, somewhat ironic. We break down the exact schedule, time zone variations, streaming options, and the history of the show's timing to ensure you never miss a moment of Jimmy Kimmel's signature comedy.

Jimmy Kimmel: Host and Late-Night Authority Biography

Jimmy Kimmel, the host and creator of the eponymous late-night talk show, is one of the most recognizable faces in American television. His career trajectory from comedy writer to late-night king is a fascinating story of evolution in the entertainment industry.

  • Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
  • Born: November 13, 1967 (Brooklyn, New York)
  • Early Career: Kimmel began his career in radio, hosting a Sunday night interview show on KCMJ in Palm Springs. He later moved to Seattle and then to Los Angeles, working as "Jimmy the Sports Guy" on KROQ-FM's popular morning show, The Kevin and Bean Show.
  • Television Breakthrough: His transition to television began with the game show Win Ben Stein's Money, which he co-hosted with Ben Stein. He then co-created and co-hosted the controversial but popular Comedy Central show The Man Show with Adam Carolla.
  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! Debut: The show premiered on ABC on January 26, 2003, originally airing in the 12:05 a.m. ET/PT time slot.
  • Time Slot Change: In a major move, the show shifted to the highly coveted 11:35 p.m. ET/PT slot on January 8, 2013, solidifying its position as a major competitor in the late-night wars.
  • Other Notable Roles: Kimmel is a frequent host of major televised events, including the Academy Awards (Oscars) multiple times, most recently in 2024, and the Primetime Emmy Awards.
  • Production Company: He runs his own production company, Kimmelot, which produces various television projects.

The Exact Jimmy Kimmel Live! Air Time Across All U.S. Time Zones

The 11:35 p.m. ET start time is the benchmark, but understanding how this translates across the contiguous United States is essential for viewers. The show's broadcast schedule is structured around a dual-feed system: a "live" Eastern/Pacific feed and a Central/Mountain feed that is often delayed.

Eastern Time (ET) and Pacific Time (PT)

For the largest population centers on the East and West Coasts, the schedule is straightforward, though the nature of the broadcast differs significantly.

  • Eastern Time (ET): 11:35 p.m. (Live Feed)
  • Pacific Time (PT): 11:35 p.m. (Delayed Feed)

Crucially, despite the name Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the show is almost always taped earlier in the day at its El Capitan Entertainment Centre studio in Hollywood, California. Taping typically begins around 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time (7:30 p.m. Eastern Time). This means that East Coast viewers are watching a slightly delayed version, while West Coast viewers are watching a tape-delayed broadcast that airs four hours after the taping has concluded, allowing the show to maintain its 11:35 p.m. local time slot across both coasts.

Central Time (CT) and Mountain Time (MT)

The Central Time Zone (CT) is the exception to the 11:35 p.m. rule, as it receives the broadcast one hour earlier than its local late-night competitors.

  • Central Time (CT): 10:35 p.m. CT (Local Time)
  • Mountain Time (MT): 11:35 p.m. MT (Local Time)

Viewers in the Central Time Zone get the unique advantage of watching the show at 10:35 p.m., which is a full hour earlier than the traditional late-night slot. This is because the ABC network often sends a single feed to both the Central and Mountain time zones that is timed to the Central schedule. However, most local ABC affiliates in the Mountain Time Zone will delay the broadcast to air at 11:35 p.m. MT, aligning with the standard late-night programming block. Always check your local TV listings for the most accurate information, especially in the Mountain Time region, as local affiliate decisions can sometimes vary.

Understanding Schedule Variations, Reruns, and Streaming Options

While the 11:35 p.m. ET time is the consistent rule, the show's schedule is not immune to preemption, holiday breaks, and the rise of streaming platforms. Being aware of these variables is crucial for a complete viewing experience.

Common Schedule Preemptions and Reruns

The most common cause of a change in air time is major sports programming. The ABC network frequently broadcasts high-profile sporting events, such as the NBA Finals, which can push the start time of Jimmy Kimmel Live! back significantly, sometimes even into the early morning hours. During these instances, the show might air immediately following the game's conclusion, regardless of the time. Additionally, the show takes scheduled breaks, often coinciding with major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Fourth of July, during which it airs reruns. These repeat episodes will still occupy the 11:35 p.m. time slot, but they will feature previously aired content.

It is also important to note the impact of local affiliate decisions. On rare occasions, local ABC affiliates, such as those owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group, may preempt the show for local news or other programming, though this is usually a short-lived issue.

How Long is the Show and What About Streaming?

The broadcast duration of Jimmy Kimmel Live! is typically one hour, running from 11:35 p.m. ET to 12:35 a.m. ET. This is the standard length for American late-night talk shows, providing a full hour of content including the opening monologue, comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and a musical guest or a recurring segment.

For viewers who prefer to watch on-demand or who have cut the cord, the show is readily available on streaming platforms. New episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! are available to stream on Hulu the morning after they air on ABC. This makes Hulu the definitive streaming home for the program, offering flexibility for those who can't stay up for the late-night broadcast or who live in a time zone that delays the show too late for their schedule. Furthermore, the show's official YouTube channel is a fantastic resource for catching up on individual segments, especially the viral monologues and popular bits like "Lie Witness News" and "Mean Tweets."

Why is Knowing the Air Time Important for Topical Authority?

The late-night talk show genre thrives on immediacy and topicality. Jimmy Kimmel's monologue is one of the first nightly opportunities for viewers to hear commentary on the day's major news stories, political events, and pop culture moments. For instance, recent 2024 episodes have featured high-profile guests like Jodie Foster, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jude Law, Tyler Perry, and Justin Timberlake, discussing their current projects and engaging in timely conversations. Watching live or immediately via Hulu ensures you are part of the cultural conversation as it happens, allowing you to react to the comedy and commentary before it circulates widely on social media the next day. This focus on being *current* is what makes understanding the air time so crucial for the dedicated viewer.

In summary, the 11:35 p.m. ET/PT slot on ABC is the foundation of the Jimmy Kimmel Live! schedule, with the 10:35 p.m. CT time being the key exception. Whether you watch it on ABC, stream it on Hulu, or catch the clips on YouTube, Jimmy Kimmel continues to deliver a fresh dose of late-night entertainment to millions of viewers every weeknight.

jimmy kimmel air time
jimmy kimmel air time

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