ABC had finally done it. After years on the air, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will move to 11:35, putting it in direct competition with late night kings “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Show with David Letterman.” “Nightline” will move into primetime as a result.
The move will take place beginning Tuesday, January 8th. The moves are timed to take advantage of the built-in promotional platforms provided by ABC’s “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and ESPN’s Bowl Championship Series, which culminates with the National Championship Game on Monday, January 7.
“Given the passionate fan base ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ has built over the past decade and the show’s ratings and creative momentum this season, the time is right to make this move,” Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group said in a statement. “There is the potential for far greater upside over the long term with this shift, given increased advertiser demand for competitive entertainment programming in the time slot.”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been on the air for 10 years and is known for many popular segments including his annual post-Oscars show, and his running sketch with actor Matt Damon.
Kimmel will host the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 23rd on ABC.
