Los Angeles, CA – In a move that signals further contraction in late-night television's embrace of live music, Jimmy Kimmel Live! plans to scale back its musical performances starting in 2026, limiting them to roughly two per week, according to industry reports.
Deadline confirmed the decision, noting that while the exact number isn't set in stone and the show hasn't always featured music on every episode, the reduction aims to streamline the format amid evolving viewer habits and production costs. The announcement comes as the late-night landscape continues to adapt to streaming competition and shifting priorities in broadcast television.
This week's schedule, however, bucks the impending trend with a trio of musical acts lined up. Folk artist Molly Tuttle is set to perform on Tuesday night, followed by singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson joining The Cletones for a guest spot on Wednesday. Closing out the musical bookings for the week, the K-pop group HUNTR/X from the project KPop Demon Hunters – featuring artists EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – will take the stage on Thursday.
The cut represents the latest chapter in a broader decline of musical segments on late-night shows. According to a report from music publication Consequence of Sound, the number of such performances plummeted from approximately 800 between 2011 and 2013 to around 200 in 2023, reflecting changes in how audiences consume music and the rising expenses associated with booking and staging live acts.
Behind the scenes, Jimmy Kimmel Live! music producer Jim Pitt has begun notifying stakeholders, including artist managers, record labels, and promotional bookers, about the upcoming changes, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Pitt collaborates on musical selections with former sElf bassist Mac Burrus, who helps curate the show's eclectic lineup.
Despite the reduction, the show has a rich history of showcasing diverse talent. In 2025 alone, Jimmy Kimmel Live! hosted performances from artists such as The Linda Lindas, The Weeknd, My Morning Jacket, Soccer Mommy, Finneas, Red Kross, Cameron Winter, Japanese Breakfast, Smokey Robinson, Rilo Kiley, Garbage, Lil Wayne, Queens of the Stone Age, Public Enemy, Haim, Dawes, and MJ Lenderman. These appearances have long served as a vital platform for emerging and established musicians alike.
The timing of the news coincides with a moment of acclaim for host Jimmy Kimmel. Just a day before the reduction was reported, Kimmel accepted the Critics Choice Award for Best Talk Show, where he delivered a characteristically humorous speech. "I want to thank President Donald 'Jennifer' Trump, as well as Disney’s Dana Walden and Rob Mills, and OpenAI founder Sam Altman," Kimmel said, adding a quip about free speech: "A FIFA Peace Prize would have been better." The award underscores the show's enduring popularity, even as it navigates programming shifts.
While Jimmy Kimmel Live! pulls back, the late-night music scene isn't entirely dimming. Last year saw the debut of Netflix's Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, a fresh entrant that injected new energy into the genre. The series featured standout performances from indie and alternative acts, including Kim Gordon and Kim Deal, Mannequin Pussy, Metz, Sleater-Kinney, and The Velvet Underground's John Cale. Producers hailed the show as a "shot in the arm" for live music on television, offering a counterpoint to the reductions on traditional networks.
Industry observers point to several factors driving the cut at Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Booking musical guests involves not only high fees for artists and bands but also logistical challenges like sound checks, lighting setups, and coordination with union crews. In an era dominated by social media clips and on-demand streaming, full live performances may no longer justify the investment for shows aiming to maximize ad revenue during prime time slots.
Representatives for ABC, which airs Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its Hollywood studio, declined to comment on the specifics of the change when reached by The Appleton Times. However, sources familiar with the production say the adjustment is part of a larger effort to refresh the show's content, potentially emphasizing comedy sketches, celebrity interviews, and viral monologues over musical interludes.
The ripple effects could extend beyond Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Other late-night programs, such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night with Seth Meyers, have already trimmed their musical bookings in recent years, citing similar economic pressures. A spokesperson for NBC Universal noted that while music remains a staple, the frequency has been "adjusted to align with audience preferences and production realities."
For musicians, the news is bittersweet. Platforms like late-night TV have historically launched careers and provided exposure that digital algorithms can't always replicate. Molly Tuttle, whose performance airs tonight, expressed enthusiasm in a pre-show interview: "It's an honor to play on a stage with such history – these slots mean the world to artists like us." Similarly, Debbie Gibson highlighted the collaborative joy of her upcoming set with The Cletones, calling it a "full-circle moment" from her 1980s heyday.
Looking ahead, the reduction at Jimmy Kimmel Live! may accelerate a shift toward hybrid formats, where musical acts are integrated into remote segments or pre-recorded videos. Netflix's success with Everybody’s Live suggests streaming services could fill the void, potentially democratizing access for niche genres like folk, K-pop, and indie rock that have thrived on broadcast TV.
As 2026 approaches, the late-night music ecosystem faces uncertainty. With Jimmy Kimmel Live! – a cornerstone of the genre for nearly two decades – dialing back, artists and bookers will need to pivot. Yet, the upcoming week's performances serve as a reminder of the magic these moments can create, bridging generations of fans through shared rhythms and spotlight energy.
In related entertainment developments, Tony Dokoupil made his official debut as anchor of the CBS Evening News on Monday, drawing solid viewership numbers. Meanwhile, the film Housemaid surpassed $1 billion at the box office during its first 2026 frame, and Netflix announced a sixth season for Emily in Paris alongside a fifth and final season for Mayor of Kingstown. Additionally, John Mayer and director McG finalized their purchase of the Jim Henson Lot, reviving the historic Chaplin Studios name.