When will Jimmy Kimmel be back on: current status and timeline

Current return status

As of the latest available information, Jimmy Kimmel is not currently scheduled to appear on a new, ongoing television series in the immediate future. He remains under a long-term deal with ABC and is best known as the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which aired weeknights from 2003 through spring 2024 and concluded its run as a daily show at that time. ABC has not announced a new nightly iteration or a firm return date for a revived talk show on the broadcast network. Occasional interviews, specials, and guest hosting duties still occur, but a regularly scheduled return on-air has not been officially confirmed.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! timeline and context

Original run and milestones

Jimmy Kimmel Live! launched in January 2003 and became a staple of late-night television on ABC for more than two decades. The daily format ended in spring 2024, shifting to a more limited schedule of specials and select weeknight episodes in the summer and fall. The show's conclusion marked the end of a nightly talk-show presence for Kimmel on broadcast television, although the door has not been closed on future specials or one-off events.

Contract and network commitments

Jimmy Kimmel’s long-term agreement with ABC and parent company Disney provides the framework for any future programming. The deal was renewed multiple times, most recently covering the transition from a nightly show to a more selective specials-based model. As part of that arrangement, Kimmel retains involvement with live events, documentary projects, and periodic talk iterations, but no fixed return date has been announced. Network decisions usually weigh viewership data, production costs, and strategic priorities for late-night and newsmagazine slots.

What a renewed deal typically includes

• Minimum number of episodes or specials per year
• Flexibility to pursue documentaries, podcasts, and digital projects
• Options to pilot new formats before committing to a full schedule

How to track an official announcement

Because television schedules are planned well in advance, any confirmed return will be preceded by press releases from ABC, station groups, and Kimmel’s production team. Key indicators include a press release with airdate windows, upfront presentation announcements, and network upfronts coverage outlining new and returning series. News from reputable entertainment outlets citing network insiders further increases reliability. Until such coordinated signals appear, treat any specific return date as speculative.

What to expect when he does return

When Jimmy Kimmel is ready to reenter a more prominent on-air role, the format will likely align with his recent work: event-driven specials, deeper interviews, and potentially a reimagined nightly or weekly show with a focus on topical conversations and audience engagement. Production style, guests, and timing will reflect lessons from the 2003–2024 run, adjusted for current audience habits and network goals. Any firm plan will prioritize clear communication from ABC to avoid confusion.

Summary and quick facts

Jimmy Kimmel is not currently hosting a nightly show and has not been given a public return date on broadcast or cable television. His long-term ABC contract allows for specials and potential new formats, and any official announcement will come through network press channels. The most reliable path to confirmation will be statements from ABC, Kimmel’s production company, and trusted entertainment reporting. Until then, treat timing details as unconfirmed and watch for formal network announcements.