Jimmy Kimmel Live unexpectedly canceled its Thursday, Nov. 6 episode after the late-night host cited personal matters. ABC announced the last-minute decision late Thursday afternoon. The show scrapped plans featuring scheduled guests David Duchovny and Joe Keery. Instead, ABC aired a rerun in the time slot.
What Happened With Thursday’s Episode?
Jimmy Kimmel abruptly canceled Thursday night’s taping late afternoon. The late-night host didn’t appear at the studio. ABC revealed the cancellation decision to viewers just hours before air time. Network representatives declined to provide details about the specific reasons. The cancellation affects the 21st season of his Emmy-winning talk show.
Guests scheduled for the episode included Hollywood actor David Duchovny and rising star Joe Keery. Musical guest Madison Beer was also set to perform live. The network chose to air a rerun rather than a replacement episode. This marks an unusual move for the typically consistent show’s schedule.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live! unexpectedly canceled its planned Thursday night taping late this afternoon.”
Why This Matters for Late-Night Television
Last-minute cancellations rarely happen in network television late-night slots. These programs maintain strict schedules driven by affiliate partners. Rating and advertising pressures make unexpected breaks extremely unusual. Jimmy Kimmel Live typically records shows Monday through Thursday at 4:30 PM PST.
The timing adds to ongoing scrutiny of late-night programming during 2025. Earlier this year, ABC made controversial decisions about the show. The network pulled the program indefinitely in September following political commentary. Jimmy returned to the air on Oct. 13 after the brief suspension ended. His personal health journey has also drawn public interest over the years.
Show Schedule and Guest Lineup Details
The week of Nov. 3-7 featured an impressive guest roster before Thursday’s cancellation. Monday brought Sean Hayes and Elle Fanning to the program. Tuesday welcomed Josh Brolin alongside Elizabeth Olsen. Wednesday featured legendary Carol Burnett and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
Date
Guest(s)
Status
Monday, Nov. 3
Sean Hayes, Elle Fanning
Aired
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen
Aired
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Carol Burnett, Guillermo del Toro
Aired
Thursday, Nov. 6
David Duchovny, Joe Keery, Madison Beer
Canceled
The cancellation affects one of the show’s most-watched weeks of the season. Duchovny frequently promotes his acting projects this time of year. Keery remains in high demand following his success on major streaming platforms. These rescheduled guests will likely appear on future episodes.
What Comes Next for the Show?
Monday, Nov. 10: Jimmy Kimmel Live returns with new shows
Rescheduled guests will be announced by ABC officially
David Duchovny and Joe Keery expected to appear later this month
Show continues normal Mon-Thu recording schedule
Viewers can watch clips on YouTube and ABC.com
The show returns Monday evening for a full week of tapings. Network executives haven’t announced whether previously scheduled guests will air next week. Social media fans are speculating about what prompted the unexpected break. ABC has historically kept such scheduling matters private and confidential.
Has Jimmy Faced Other Schedule Disruptions in 2025?
The unexpected cancellation follows Jimmy’s previous challenges this year. In September 2025, ABC suspended the show indefinitely for five days. Political commentary made by the host sparked significant controversy. Jimmy returned to television after supportive statements from industry peers. His resilience and return demonstrated strong viewer loyalty.
Beyond professional challenges, Jimmy continues balancing personal responsibilities off-screen. His son Billy recently celebrated his eighth birthday in April 2025. The host has previously disclosed his ongoing health management including narcolepsy. These personal factors occasionally affect production schedules in entertainment business. Will Thursday’s cancellation signal broader schedule changes ahead?
