As expected, the late night shows are back after taking a two-week winter break. Jimmy Kimmel Live kicks off the week in style on Monday, Jan. 5, with new episodes confirmed through to Thursday, so far.
The return comes off the back of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, where Kimmel won Best Talk Show. Of course, he made some digs at President Donald Trump during the acceptance speech, but he also gave a shout-out to his fellow late night hosts, who have all faced the brunt of Trump’s comments over the last year.
Now it’s time to get back into the swing of the shows, and Jimmy Kimmel Live’s schedule is set for the first full week of January. This is subject to change as usual, but for the most part, we see the schedules as planned.
Monday, January 5
The first night of the week will see Ben Affleck chat about his upcoming movie, The Rip. It follows a group of Miami cops who end up distrusting everyone around them when they discover a stash of millions in cash. Who can they trust, and can the outsiders trust them? Matt Damon also stars with Affleck, continuing their partnership.
Erin Doherty will then chat with Kimmel about the return of A Thousand Blows, the Hulu boxing series. There’s a chance she’ll also chat about Adolescence, which became a surprise hit of 2025 and was uniquely filmed. Then Molly Tuttle will finish things off with a musical performance.
Tuesday, January 6
Nikki Glaser kicks off the second night of the week, as she chats about the 83rd Annual Golden Globes. She will host the event, which takes place on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Then Joel Edgerton will chat about his 2025 movie Train Dreams. Basedon the 2011 novella by Denis Johnson, the movie follows the list of Robert Grainier, who arrived on the Great Northern Railway as an orphan and spent his formative years without purpose. Over the course of 80 years, he focuses on life and figures out the new world with the turn of the 20th century.
Then the night ends with Debbie Gibson sitting in with The Cletones.
Wednesday, January 7
For reality show fans, it’s all about the return of The Traitors, and of course, Jimmy Kimmel Live will sit down with Alan Cumming to talk all about the return of the series. It’s time for the fourth season, which will see a variety of celebrity players take on the chance to win prize money for their chosen charity.
After that, Taylor Dearden will sit down to talk about The Pitt. The HBO series is back, focusing on one shift on the ER on one of the biggest days of the year: July 4.
Thursday, January 8
Finally, Kimmel will chat with Denis Leary about Going Dutch, which returns for its second season on FOX this month. The comedy series has a military focus, and it’s perfect for those looking for something to just be entertained by.
Rachel Maddow will then chat about The Rachel Maddow Show. Then the night will end with HUNTR/X taking to the stage. Yes, that’s the KPop Demon Hunters band featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami.
Friday night is still to be confirmed, and we often see a rerun put on instead of a new episode.
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs week nights at 11:35/10:35c on ABC.