ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is set to make changes to its music performances in the coming weeks, indicating a shift in the landscape of late-night TV. According to sources cited by Variety, the show will be scaling back its musical guests to only twice a week, although the exact frequency may vary. This marks a departure from the show’s tradition of featuring musical performances every night.
While representatives for the show have not provided a specific reason for this decision, it is speculated that budget considerations may have played a role. Music has always been a significant component of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” with performances from a diverse range of artists, including superstars like One Direction, Eminem, and the Weeknd, as well as emerging talent.
The reduction in musical performances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” reflects a broader trend in late-night TV, with shows like those hosted by Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert also scaling back on live music or house bands. The only exception seems to be Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show,” which will continue to regularly feature musical guests.
In related news, Jimmy Kimmel recently renewed his contract with ABC parent company Disney, ensuring that he will remain as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for another year. This renewal came after a brief hiatus in September when Disney temporarily pulled the show off the schedule following complaints from affiliate TV stations about a controversial monologue.
As the situation continues to develop, Variety will provide updates on any further developments. Stay tuned for more information on this evolving story.
Additional reporting by Michael Schneider and Brian Steinberg.
