It happens every time you’re scrolling through social media or catching a clip on YouTube. Someone mentions the "Jimmy Kimmel Tonight Show" and a small part of the internet collectively loses its mind. Honestly, the mix-up is so common now it’s basically a part of the late-night furniture.
You’ve probably seen the comments. "Did Jimmy Kimmel take over for Jimmy Fallon?" or "Wait, I thought Kimmel was on NBC?"
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Here is the flat-out truth: Jimmy Kimmel has never hosted The Tonight Show. He hosts Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC. He has been there since 2003. He is currently the longest-running host in the late-night circuit, recently passing the two-decade mark. But that "Tonight Show" title? That belongs to the other Jimmy. Jimmy Fallon. Over on NBC.
The Great Jimmy Confusion Explained
Why do we keep doing this? Why does the brain glitch when it comes to these two guys? It isn't just you. Even guest stars have walked onto the wrong set or slipped up during interviews.
The most obvious culprit is the name. Having two "Jimmys" in the 11:35 p.m. time slot is a statistical nightmare for the average viewer's memory. They both wear the same uniform (dark suit, crisp tie). They both sit behind a wooden desk. They both have dark hair and a penchant for self-deprecating humor.
But if you actually watch, the vibes are worlds apart.
Jimmy Kimmel (ABC)
Kimmel is the prickly older brother of the group. He got his start on The Man Show and Win Ben Stein's Money, and that DNA is still there. He’s drier. A bit more cynical. He leans heavily into political monologues and biting satire. If you want to see someone get genuinely annoyed at a politician, you go to Kimmel.
Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
Fallon is the human equivalent of a golden retriever. He came from Saturday Night Live. His show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is built on games, musical parodies, and an relentless sense of "everything is awesome." He’s the guy playing Beer Pong with Post Malone or Egg Russian Roulette with Tom Cruise.
That Time They Actually Switched Shows
To make matters worse for your memory, the two Jimmys actually leaned into the chaos. On April 1, 2022, they pulled off one of the best pranks in TV history.
Kimmel flew to New York and walked out onto the Tonight Show stage at 30 Rock. Simultaneously, Fallon walked out in Hollywood on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! set. They swapped everything—monologues, guests, even the bands. The Roots played for Kimmel; Cleto and the Cletones played for Fallon.
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It was brilliant. It was also a "Freaky Friday" moment that permanently fused their identities for anyone who only caught the headlines the next morning. If you’re searching for the Jimmy Kimmel Tonight Show, you might just be remembering that specific April Fools' episode.
The 2025 Suspension and the Future of Late Night
The landscape changed significantly just a few months ago. In September 2025, Kimmel found himself in the middle of a massive firestorm. Following comments he made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ABC actually suspended the show.
It was a wild moment. President Trump was posting on social media about how "the ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel" was finally cancelled. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was talking about "community values." For a few weeks, it looked like Kimmel might be done for good.
But he came back. He returned on September 23 with a monologue about free speech that racked up millions of views.
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. Kimmel just signed a one-year contract extension. He is locked in with ABC through the 2026-2027 season. Meanwhile, over at the actual Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon is also staying put—his current deal at NBC runs through 2028.
What You’re Actually Looking For
If you’re trying to watch the guy who does the "Mean Tweets" or the "I Told My Kids I Ate Their Halloween Candy" sketches, you want Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC.
If you want the guy who does "Lip Sync Battle" or "Wheel of Musical Impressions," you’re looking for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC.
Wait, what about Stephen Colbert? Colbert hosts The Late Show on CBS. He’s the third pillar of this 11:35 p.m. triangle. Interestingly, Colbert is preparing to sign off soon—his current plans involve leaving in May 2026. This means the "Jimmy vs. Jimmy" rivalry is about to become the main event in late night.
Quick Cheat Sheet to Tell Them Apart:
- Kimmel: Hollywood, ABC, sharp tongue, loves pranking kids, beefs with Matt Damon.
- Fallon: New York (30 Rock), NBC, "Tonight Show," games, laughs at everything, The Roots.
Why This Matters in 2026
We’re in an election year again. Late-night television is essentially a frontline for political commentary. Kimmel has made it clear he isn't going to "turn the temperature down." In fact, just this morning, he was joking about how he "can't have an election soon enough."
If you’re confusing the shows, you’re missing the context of the networks behind them. ABC (owned by Disney) and NBC (owned by Comcast) have very different tolerances for controversy. Kimmel’s recent suspension showed just how much pressure Disney is under from affiliates like Nexstar and Sinclair.
Next time you hear someone mention the Jimmy Kimmel Tonight Show, you can be the person who sets the record straight. It’s a small distinction, sure. But in the world of television history and broadcasting rights, it’s a massive one.
Next Steps to Stay Updated:
- Check your local listings: Jimmy Kimmel Live! usually starts at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC, immediately following the local news.
- If you want to see the 2022 swap (the source of much of the confusion), it's still available on both shows' official YouTube channels.
- Watch the monologue from the February 6, 2026, special. Fallon is hosting a massive post-Olympics episode, which will likely be the highest-rated late-night event of the quarter.