When does The Jimmy Kimmel Show air locally
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! broadcast time varies by market because it is distributed in first-run to local ABC stations across the United States. In most time zones, the show airs weeknights at 11:35 PM local time following Nightline, though a handful of affiliates may shift it earlier or later within the late-night window. You can confirm your exact local start time by checking your market’s ABC affiliate schedule, your TV provider’s listings, or a reliable web timetable for your ZIP code.
How to find your local start time quickly
Because The Jimmy Kimmel Show follows network scheduling rules and NFL football windows, the on-air time can change by a few minutes or move by an hour depending on your location, preemption patterns, or live sports overruns. The fastest method is to check your local ABC affiliate’s listed airtime on the network’s station-finder or your TV provider’s grid for today’s date. Streaming and cable viewers can also search “Jimmy Kimmel Live time near me” in a search engine or voice assistant for instant results tied to your location.
ABC affiliate scheduling basics
- 11:35 PM ET/PT in most Eastern and Pacific markets
- 10:35 PM CT/MT in many Central and Mountain markets
- Local news length and sports preemptions can shift the start by 10–30 minutes
How Jimmy Kimmel Live fits into late night
The Jimmy Kimmel Show occupies a distinct niche in the late-night lineup, following Nightline on ABC and preceding other programming in syndication or digital distribution. Unlike some shows that air earlier or later in the evening, Kimmel’s program is positioned as a later entry after news, placing it in the window typically reserved for talk-focused late-night formats. This scheduling shapes how guests are booked, when promos run, and how the show balances comedy, politics, and features within its post-midnight time block.
What you need to know about time zone scheduling
Because the program is cleared by individual ABC affiliates rather than aired at a single national time, start times can differ by market. In the Eastern Time Zone, most viewers see the show at 11:35 PM; in the Pacific, it is typically the same wall-clock time but with a corresponding shift for viewers further west. If you are traveling or using an online guide, always verify the local listing for your ZIP code to account for these variations and any ad hoc schedule changes.
Comparing Jimmy Kimmel Live to other late-night options
Viewers often compare The Jimmy Kimmel Show to other late-night programs to choose their nightly watch. While exact start times and formats vary, the table below highlights key scheduling and positioning differences that affect when and why you might tune in.
| Show | Typical local time on ABC (most markets) | Format focus | Notes on scheduling stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Jimmy Kimmel Show | 11:35 PM ET / 10:35 PM CT in many markets | Celebrity interviews, comedy, news, field pieces | Affiliate-controlled; can shift with sports or news preemption |
| Nightline | Before Jimmy Kimmel Live | News and in-depth reporting | Stable national lead-in; anchors the late-news block |
| Late Show with Stephen Colbert | 11:35 PM ET locally on CBS | Talk, sketches, celebrity guests | Consistent national time; local slot can vary slightly |
| The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | 11:35 PM ET on NBC | Games, celebrity interviews, music | Stable national time; watch durations may affect next show |
How to keep your schedule up to date
Because local stations can adjust start times for breaking news, special events, or sports overruns, it’s wise to double-check the schedule close to air time. Use the ABC station finder, your TV provider’s electronic program guide, or a trusted app that surfaces local listings. Setting a reminder 30 minutes before the expected start gives you flexibility if the show shifts by a few minutes or is preceded by a short news update.
Frequently asked questions about airtimes
Below are concise answers to common questions viewers ask about when they can watch The Jimmy Kimmel Show and how the timing works across platforms.
- Does The Jimmy Kimmel Show air live every night? The program tapes earlier in the day on most production days, but it airs in primetime-like late-night slots and follows a consistent release pattern on weekdays.
- What if a market carries a different 11:35 PM show? Some affiliates may prioritize syndicated programming or local specials; in those cases, the show may move or be offered on an alternate digital subchannel.
- Can I watch it live if I stream ABC? Live streams from providers that carry your local ABC affiliate typically reflect the local start time; cloud DVR options can help you catch the show if you miss the window.
- How does sports affect the start time? NFL games or breaking news that run long can push The Jimmy Kimmel Show later or, in rare cases, cause it to be preempted on a given night.
- Are there repeat airings? Yes, many markets offer encore presentations in the early overnight hours or through on-demand services the following day.
Why local confirmation still matters
Even when a show has a typical time slot, the practical airtime is defined by your affiliate, your TV package, and any live sports or news that precedes it. Relying solely on national references can leave you guessing. Confirming the start time for your specific market ensures you know when to tune in and how to access the show across linear and streaming platforms.
For the most reliable schedule, use your local ABC affiliate’s official timetable or your TV provider’s guide and update it periodically when major programming changes occur. This habit helps you avoid missing the opening monologue and ensures you can plan your viewing around live sports, news, or streaming plans.