Many viewers ask whether Jimmy Kimmel Live is new tonight or a repeat, especially during holiday weeks and special broadcasts. This article clarifies how to identify a new episode and how the show fits into ABC's nightly lineup.
Below is a quick reference that explains when new episodes air, how to watch them, and what changes during special broadcasts or rerun blocks.
| Episode Type | Airtime (ET) | Typical Content | How to Confirm It Is New |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular New Episode | Tuesday 11:35 PM | Monologue, two segments, multiple sketches, musical guest | Check show date on screen and ABC.com for today's guests |
| Special or Event Episode | Varies; often later start | Themed segments, extended interviews, unique musical performances | Look for pre-show promos and social posts announcing the special |
| Rerun Block | Tuesday 11:35 PM or weekend encores | Highlights from earlier episodes with updated cold opens | On-screen label "Rerun" and episode air date confirm it is not new |
| Live Holiday or Election Night Substitute | Scheduled around breaking news events | Shorter formats, live coverage integrations, recurring bits | Check show crawl and scheduling updates from ABC News |
How to Know if Jimmy Kimmel Live Is New Tonight
ABC schedules new episodes on most Tuesdays at 11:35 PM Eastern, but preemption for sports, awards, and live news can shift the pattern. When a major event occurs, the network may broadcast a trimmed edition or a best-of highlight block labeled as a special encore. To avoid confusion, viewers can rely on on-screen graphics, the show's official social channels, and the episode list on the network website, which marks each installment as new or rerun.
Tonight's Lineup Integration
Jimmy Kimmel Live often follows Nightline, and shifts in that program's length directly affect whether Kimmel is new tonight. If Nightline runs long due to breaking coverage, Kimmel may be delayed or replaced by a short-form recap. Regional variations on ABC affiliates can also alter the start time, so checking local listings remains essential for confirming a live broadcast.
Where to Watch New Episodes Across Platforms
Beyond the live ABC broadcast, the show distributes full episodes and clips through multiple digital services. These platforms affect how quickly new material reaches audiences outside the traditional Eastern time slot, and they provide alternative ways to watch if a viewer misses the live airing.
Streaming and On-Demand Options
New episodes appear on ABC's free app and website, Hulu with a Live TV subscription, and on-demand cable tiers within 24 hours. Clips and highlight reels are uploaded to YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, often the same night, while full extended edits may take a few days to clear for syndication.
Time-Shifting and Cloud DVR
Viewers using cloud DVR through their cable provider or the ABC app can automatically preserve new episodes for later viewing. This function is especially useful when a live start is delayed by sports overruns or special news coverage, ensuring that the new episode is not missed even if the broadcast runs late.
Understanding Reruns and Encore Episodes
Not every appearance labeled as tonight is new. The show regularly features encores labeled as best-of segments or themed highlights, which include fresh cold opens but reuse older interview and sketch material. These blocks are clearly marked as replays, yet casual viewers may still assume they are watching new content.
How to Spot a Rerun on Air
Look for subtle cues such as repeated jokes referencing past events, unchanged guest backgrounds, and on-screen text indicating an earlier air date. Promotions that mention highlights or memorable moments rather than fresh interviews also signal that the episode is a curated encore rather than original production.
Quick Guide to Identifying New Episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live
- Check the time and date on your local ABC listing, noting any sports or news preemption notices.
- Look for on-screen labels such as "New," "Rerun," or "Special Edition" during the opening sequence.
- Visit abc.com/live or the ABC app to view today's episode status before the show begins.
- Follow the show's official social channels for same-day announcements about episode status.
- Use your cable or streaming provider's cloud DVR to automatically capture new episodes if delays occur.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Jimmy Kimmel Live new tonight if it airs after a major sports event?
Not necessarily. If a major sports event, such as the World Series or a playoff game, runs late into the night, ABC may delay the show or replace it with a recap or special report. Check the network's nightly crawl or listings for the words "Rerun" or "Special Edition" to confirm whether the episode is new.
What does a delayed or preempted episode mean for the rest of the season?
A single delay usually does not affect the overall season structure, but repeated preemption can shorten the number of original episodes aired in a given window. The show often schedules makeup episodes later in the cycle, which may appear as new entries after the busy news period ends.
How can I verify that the episode I am watching is new before it starts?
Open the ABC app or website and view the episode list for today, which marks each installment with a new or replay badge. You can also consult the show's official social media accounts, where producers announce whether the night's installment is fresh or an encore.
Are musical guests always live even when the episode is a rerun?
No. Encore episodes often feature performances recorded earlier in the season or use pre-taped pieces to fill time. Live musical sets are usually reserved for genuine new episodes, which are clearly labeled in on-screen graphics and program guides.