Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to reduce the number of musical performances featured on the ABC late-night series, according to new report from Deadline. The change represents a notable shift for the long-running program, which has traditionally included live music as part of its nightly format since its debut.
Deadline reports the show will limit musical guest appearances to about two per week, expected to begin next season, though specific start date has not been announced. This change follows a decline from around 800 performances in 2011 through 2013, decreasing to 200 in 2023, according to figures cited by Deadline from Consequence of Sound.
The report notes the decision is part of a broader reassessment of late-night formats. Musical performances, once central to the genre, have become less frequent. As audience habits change, many late-night programs now prioritize segments that perform well on digital platforms and social media, where viewers often watch short clips rather than full episodes.
Despite the reduction in musical appearances, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will maintain its current runtime. The show expects to continue prioritizing celebrity interviews, topical monologues, comedy sketches, and recurring segments that have become staples of the series. Musical guests will still be part of the program’s lineup, though they will appear less frequently than in previous seasons.
Neither ABC nor the show’s representatives have released formal statement explaining the reasoning behind the change. However, Deadline reports that the move stems from internal scheduling considerations rather than an effort to eliminate live music. Over the years, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has hosted a wide range of musical artists across genres, making the update a notable shift from its established format.
As Jimmy Kimmel Live! prepares for its next season, the shift highlights how long-running late-night programs continue to adapt. While live performances remain part of the show’s identity, their reduced presence reflects shifting production priorities and evolving audience engagement with late-night television.