Jimmy Kimmel has been on the air as a late-night host for about 23 years so far, with Jimmy Kimmel Live! running from January 26, 2003, through at least January 2026.

Quick Scoop: How long has Jimmy Kimmel been on air?

  • Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered on ABC on January 26, 2003, right after Super Bowl XXXVII.
  • ABC still lists new episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its schedule for the week of January 26, 2026.
  • That means his late-night run has lasted roughly 23 years so far, making him the longest-tenured current late-night host in the U.S.

In TV terms, that’s a marathon-level run: he’s outlasted many other late- night formats and is now firmly in “institution” territory.

TL;DR: If you’re wondering “how long was Jimmy Kimmel on air?” —his ABC late-night show has been on the air for about 23 years and is still running as of early 2026.

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