As the only network that’s seen an increase in late night talk show viewership this year, ABC has, for good reason, a lot of confidence in Jimmy Kimmel. So much, in fact, they’re repositioning Jimmy Kimmel Live in their schedule so that it faces off directly against the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC and CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman.
Starting Jan. 8, JKL will leave its current midnight spot for the more desirable slot at 11:35 pm ET. “The time is right to make the move,” Disney/ABC Television Group President Anne Sweeney said. “There is the potential for far greater upside over the long term with this shift.” Kimmel recently re-upped his contract, keeping him at ABC through 2015.
Independent of enjoying a 3 percent rise in viewers this year, Kimmel has had a great few months, both professionally and personally. The 44-year-old recently became engaged to Molly McNearney a co-head writer on the show, he hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner in April (watch it here), Jimmy Kimmel Live is up for its first Emmy and he’ll actually be hosting the awards show on Sept. 23.
