If you’re sitting on your couch wondering exactly what time is Jimmy Fallon on tonight, you’ve probably noticed that the late-night landscape feels a little more chaotic than it used to. We've all been there—scrolling through a digital guide that hasn't updated or seeing a sports game run long and wondering if Jimmy is ever actually going to show up.
Tonight is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Here is the quick answer: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon does not air new episodes on Sunday nights. Basically, unless there is a massive NFL playoff game or a special event (like the upcoming Winter Olympics specials), NBC keeps the lights off at Studio 6B on Sundays. If you’re seeing Jimmy’s face on your TV tonight, it’s almost certainly a repeat or a clip from Saturday Night Live highlights.
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When does Jimmy Fallon actually air?
For most of us, the routine is pretty set. Jimmy Fallon typically airs at 11:35 PM ET/PT (10:35 PM CT) on NBC. However, things have changed recently. Back in 2024, the show officially scaled back to a four-night-a-week schedule for new episodes. This means Mondays through Thursdays are your best bet for fresh content.
Fridays are usually dedicated to repeats, though NBC occasionally throws a curveball with a "special" Friday airing if there’s a major lead-in like a sports championship.
The upcoming 2026 schedule shakeup
If you're looking for new episodes this week, mark your calendar for Monday, January 19. The guest list is already looking pretty solid:
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- A$AP Rocky will be stopping by to talk about his long-awaited Don’t Be Dumb album.
- Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is slated to discuss his latest documentary work.
- Walker Scobell (from the Percy Jackson series) is also on the docket.
- Ontonio Kareem will provide the stand-up comedy set.
Why the Sunday confusion?
It’s actually pretty easy to get confused about the Sunday schedule. NBC often uses the post-NFL slot to premiere new shows. For example, tonight, January 18, NBC is premiering a new comedy called The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins at 10:00 PM ET.
Because people are already tuned into NBC for the Rams vs. Bears game, the network wants to keep them there. But instead of jumping into late-night talk, they usually pivot to local news and then these special series premieres. Jimmy stays home.
Where to watch if you missed the time
Honestly, the "time" matters a lot less than it did five years ago. Most people I know just catch the "Tight End Room" or "Musical Impressions" on YouTube the next morning.
- Peacock: You can stream the episodes the next day.
- NBC App: If you have a cable login, you're golden.
- YouTube: This is where the viral stuff lives. Usually, the best clips are up by 3:00 AM ET.
What to watch tonight instead
Since Jimmy isn't on, and if you aren't into the NFL Divisional rounds, the late-night options on a Sunday are pretty slim. Most networks run local programming or "Best Of" packages. If you really need a Fallon fix, the NBC app usually has a "Live" channel that loops old games like Password or Box of Lies 24/7.
Keep an eye out for February, though. With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina starting soon, NBC has already announced a special live Friday episode for February 6th. They’re bringing in Chris Hemsworth and MrBeast for that one, so that’ll be a rare break from the four-day-a-week rule.
For now, give your remote a rest. Jimmy will be back in his suit, behind the desk, cracking jokes about the news on Monday night at the usual 11:35 PM.
Your Late Night Checklist
- Check the lead-in: If there's a game, the show might start at 11:45 or 12:00.
- Set the DVR: Especially if you're on the East Coast and can't stay up past midnight.
- Follow the "Four-Day" Rule: Remember, Friday is for reruns.
- Watch the Guests: Monday (Jan 19) is the next big night with A$AP Rocky.
The best way to stay updated is to check the official NBC schedule or Jimmy's social media accounts around 4:00 PM on weekdays, as they usually post the "lineup card" then.