If you’re wondering is Jimmy Kimmel new tonight, here’s the most current and verified update as of October 21, 2025.
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Latest Airing Status
The late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live!—hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel—airs on ABC weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET. However, after a highly publicized controversy in mid-September 2025, the show faced a temporary suspension. The incident followed comments made by Kimmel about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led ABC to pause new episodes beginning September 17.
The program returned to the air on September 23, 2025, but its broadcast has not been completely uniform across the country. Several major affiliate groups—including Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group—continued to pre-empt the show in many markets. This resulted in roughly one-quarter of ABC’s national reach being affected.
As of today, some TV schedules list Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its usual slot, but not all viewers will see a new episode. Some local affiliates are still opting for alternate programming or reruns, while the network’s national feed may feature a recent recording.
What This Means for Tonight
While Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains part of ABC’s standard late-night schedule, whether you’ll actually see a new episode tonight depends on where you live and how you watch:
- National Broadcast: ABC’s national programming lineup still includes Jimmy Kimmel Live! weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET.
- Local Affiliates: Some ABC affiliates, especially those owned by Sinclair or Nexstar, have chosen not to air new episodes following the recent suspension.
- Streaming Platforms: If you use services like Hulu or the ABC app, you can often access the newest available episodes even if your local station doesn’t broadcast them.
- Rebroadcasts: In markets where affiliates have pre-empted the program, reruns or substitute content may air instead.
Summary Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel Live! following the controversy over Kimmel’s remarks. |
| September 22, 2025 | The network announces the show’s return to regular production. |
| September 23, 2025 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumes airing new episodes nationally, but major affiliates begin pre-empting. |
| October 21, 2025 | The show remains listed in ABC’s lineup, though its availability varies by market. |
How to Know If It’s New in Your Area
Because the network’s national listing doesn’t always reflect local broadcasting decisions, it’s important to verify directly whether a new episode will air tonight. Here are a few ways to check:
- Review Your Local Schedule:
Look up your local ABC affiliate’s TV listings for 11:35 p.m. ET (or 10:35 p.m. CT). If your region is under Sinclair or Nexstar, you may see alternate programming. - Use ABC’s Website or App:
The ABC app and official website often indicate whether tonight’s broadcast is new or a rerun. - Stream via Hulu or On-Demand:
Hulu frequently updates its library within hours of a broadcast. If a new episode aired nationally, it should be available there tonight. - Check Social Media Updates:
The show’s official social channels frequently post about the night’s guests and air status. If you see no mention of new guests, it’s likely a rerun.
Why Affiliates Are Still Pre-Empting
The ongoing pre-emptions stem from the September controversy and subsequent fallout between ABC and certain affiliate groups. While the network officially reinstated the show, some station owners have opted to keep it off their local airwaves for now.
These affiliates have cited “content sensitivities” and “audience response” as reasons for their decisions. This means that even though ABC resumed airing new episodes nationally, the experience remains inconsistent for viewers in different regions.
As of this week, ABC has not issued any additional suspension announcements, and production on Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues as usual from its Los Angeles studio. Tapings are taking place before a live audience, and guest lineups are being promoted on the show’s digital channels.
The Broader Late-Night Context
Kimmel’s absence in September created a noticeable gap in late-night television. Competitors like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert saw a brief uptick in viewership during that period. Since his return, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been slowly regaining its audience, particularly through online clips and viral interviews.
Despite the temporary disruption, ratings reports suggest that the show’s overall audience loyalty remains strong. Many fans have turned to digital streaming or clips on social platforms to stay current, especially while local affiliates adjust their schedules.
What Viewers Can Expect This Week
If your local station is airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight, the episode is expected to feature regular segments, guest interviews, and musical performances as usual. The production team has resumed normal filming operations.
However, not all regions will receive the same broadcast. Here’s a breakdown:
- Regions Receiving New Episodes:
Major metropolitan markets, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, are currently scheduled to air new episodes in real time. - Regions Still Pre-Empted:
Markets primarily controlled by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group remain uncertain, with many still substituting syndicated reruns or local content. - Streaming Availability:
New episodes typically appear on Hulu within 24 hours of their network broadcast. If you’re unsure whether a new episode will air on TV, this remains the most reliable option.
How This Impacts Fans
The situation has created confusion for loyal viewers who tune in expecting fresh episodes each night. Many fans have taken to social media to express frustration about the inconsistency in scheduling.
Yet, for others, Kimmel’s return marks an important step in maintaining diversity in late-night programming. His mix of political humor, celebrity interviews, and musical acts continues to draw wide interest, particularly among younger streaming audiences.
Final Word
So, is Jimmy Kimmel new tonight?
In short: It depends. While ABC’s national feed includes Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its lineup, not all local affiliates are airing new episodes. If you’re streaming or located in a major market, you’ll likely see a new show tonight. If you’re in one of the pre-empted regions, you may need to wait until the episode becomes available online.
If you’ve tuned in tonight, let us know in the comments whether your local ABC station aired a new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live — your input helps other viewers stay informed!