Has it really been 20 years? Apparently so, and ABC’s celebrating the 20th anniversary of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a special episode airing in primetime.
The anniversary episode will air on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10pm ET/PT with the late-night show’s original lineup of guests on board to help Kimmel celebrate. George Clooney, Snoop Dogg, and Coldplay were Kimmel’s guests on the show’s first episode, which aired on January 26, 2003. (Coldplay’s Chris Martin will represent the group for the anniversary special.)
“20 years. I can’t believe it either,” said Kimmel. “It makes absolutely no sense.”
“As everybody might imagine, it feels like it went by in the blink of an eye and it also feels like it’s been going on since the Middle Ages,” said Kimmel, speaking with Variety. “But it definitely gives me a sense of accomplishment. Especially when you go back and watch some of the old shows and you’re like, ‘wow, this is very unprofessional.’ Those nights where we thought that was a pretty good show, we were extremely wrong!”
A repeat of the anniversary special will air during Jimmy Kimmel Live!‘s normal 11:35pm ET/PT timeslot.
The late-night talk show host recently extended his partnership with ABC, securing a home for the series through its 23rd season. Housed at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is executive produced by Kimmel, Erin Irwin, Molly McNearney, Jennifer Sharron, and David Craig. Douglas DeLuca serves as co-executive producer.
