Jimmy Kimmel, winner of the Best Talk Show Award for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, poses in the press room during the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on January 04, 2026 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)Getty Images for Critics Choice
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will reportedly dial back its music guests in the new year.
In a piece published on Monday, sources close to the situation told The Hollywood Reporter that the show’s music producer, Jim Pitt, revealed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will only feature two musical acts per week moving forward.
Pitt did not give any explanation as to why and episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are not expected to get any shorter.
Having musical guests perform on late-night shows has been a long-standing tradition. However, in recent years, it’s become less common. “Late Night With Seth Meyers” rarely features musical acts these days, and in 2024, the show’s Fred Armisen-fronted house band was cut due to budget cuts.
Meanwhile, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” had practically done away with its performance portion even before CBS announced its cancellation. On the contrary, “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” still offers a musical act almost every night.
This change to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” follows a tumultuous few months for the show. ABC suspended “Kimmel Live!” for six days in September after Kimmel made comments about President Trump and MAGA responses to Charlie Kirk’s murder. In November, Kimmel paused the show mid-week following the death of Cleto Escobedo III, the show’s bandleader and Kimmel’s childhood friend.
“Cleto and I have been inseparable since I was nine years old,” Kimmel told audiences in an emotional monologue. He added, “Everyone loves Cleto… everyone here at the show. We are devastated by this. It’s not… It’s just not fair. Cherish your friends. We’re not here forever.”
On Monday, Grammy-winning singer Molly Tuttle performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” HUNTR/X from “KPop Demon Hunters” will take the stage during Thursday’s episode.