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How to Watch Jimmy Kimmel Live!

by Staff
How to Watch Jimmy Kimmel Live
Contenido:

In short: Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back on the air after a week-long suspension, but not all viewers will be able to see it in their local ABC stations. The show returns as of September 23, 2025, yet major affiliate groups like Sinclair and Nexstar still refuse to air it in many markets. This article covers every available way to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live!, what the suspension was about, and how it affects availability. Whether you prefer streaming, cable, or local broadcast, here’s what you need to know.

After Its Return: Streaming, Broadcast & What to Know

Introduction

1. What Happened: The Suspension & Return

  • On September 17, 2025, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after host Jimmy Kimmel made comments regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

  • After public backlash and internal negotiations, ABC (Disney) decided to bring the show back on September 23, 2025.

  • However, some large ABC affiliate groups — specifically Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group — announced they will not air the show on their stations, despite the network lifting the suspension. These cover about a quarter of ABC’s reach in the U.S. Wikipedia

2. When & Where Jimmy Kimmel Live! Airs

Region / SituationBroadcast via Local ABC AffiliateTime (U.S.)*
Markets where ABC affiliate will air the showYesWeeknights ~ 11:35 p.m. Eastern / 10:35 p.m. Central
Markets with Sinclair or Nexstaraffiliates refusing to airNoReplaced with other programming (e.g. news, reruns)

*Times may shift slightly with local schedules, daylight savings, or affiliate decisions.

3. How to Watch: Streaming & Official Options

If your local ABC station isn’t showing Jimmy Kimmel Live!, or if you’re outside the broadcast zone, these are your best alternatives:

PlatformWhat You GetKey Details / Limitations
ABC.comStream episodes, latest clipsRequires that your market is served by an ABC station that carries the show. ABC
Hulu + Live TVLive streaming of ABC (in many markets) + on‑demand episodes/clipsSubscription required (~ US$82.99/month) Hollywood Reporter
Hulu (on‑demand)Episodes and highlights after airingUseful if you miss the live broadcast; if ABC video rights hold. Hulu+1
YouTube (official Jimmy Kimmel Live channel)Clips, recaps, viral segmentsNot full episodes, typically highlights only. YouTube
Ticketed studio audienceAttend in personThe show is recorded at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time (same day as airing), though access depends on show schedule. 1iota.com

4. What to Do If Your ABC Affiliate Is Preempting the Show

If you discover that your local ABC station (especially if it’s under Nexstar or Sinclair) isn’t showing Jimmy Kimmel Live!, here are workarounds:

  • Check streaming services (Hulu + Live TV, ABC’s streaming options) which often carry ABC programming independent of local broadcast issues.

  • Use VPN or alternate IP‐based services (where legal) to access ABC from a market that does air the show.

  • Watch the show via clips and highlight recaps on YouTube or Hulu’s on‑demand library.

  • Follow official social media or the Jimmy Kimmel Live website for updates about affiliate changes or reinstatements.

  • If you’re outside the U.S., check whether local or international networks or streaming services offer Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Jimmy Kimmel Live! airing live?
A: No — despite the name, the show is typically recorded at 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time on the same day it airs. Live broadcasts happen only for special events. Wikipedia

Q: Why are some ABC stations refusing to air the show now?
A: The refusal is due to the recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue about Charlie Kirk’s death. Several affiliate groups have objected and decided not to carry the show even after ABC resumed it. EW.com

Q: Is the show permanently off in those affiliate markets?
A: Not confirmed. The affiliate groups have said discussions with ABC are ongoing. It may change depending on deals, contractual obligations, or further developments. The Verge

Q: How to watch if I’m outside the U.S.?
A: Availability depends on international licensing. The show might be available via ABC’s streaming rights overseas, or via local broadcasters. Using legal international streaming platforms helps. (Always check local laws.)

Summary

  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC’s programming on September 23, 2025, after a suspension imposed over controversial comments. People.com

  • Major affiliate groups like Sinclair and Nexstar are still refusing to carry the show in many markets. That means some viewers won’t have access via their usual TV channel. The Verge

  • If your local ABC station won’t air it, your best alternatives are streaming services (ABC.com, Hulu + Live TV, Hulu on demand), and watching clips via YouTube.

  • Stay tuned: things may change depending on ongoing negotiations, affiliate decisions, or public response.