ABC's flagship late-night program, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', is significantly reducing the number of musical guest performances it features this year, according to multiple entertainment industry reports. This move marks a notable shift in the show's long-standing format.
The Details of the Cutback
The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter on Monday, January 6, 2026. The outlet indicated the show plans to cut down to just two musical performances per week. Other publications, including Deadline and Variety, clarified that 'around two' is the new target, noting it is not a rigid number as some episodes may not feature a musical act at all. Variety suggested the figure is 'more likely to vary' week to week.
While an official reason from ABC or the show's producers has not been provided, industry speculation points directly to budget considerations. This change follows a pattern in late-night television, where music departments and live bands have been trimmed for financial reasons.
Interestingly, the new policy does not seem to be in full effect yet. This week, the show is scheduled to host three performances: folk artist Molly Tuttle, a collaborative set from Ejae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami (promoting 'KPop Demon Hunters'), and a sit-in with the house band, The Cletones, by Debbie Gibson.
A Shrinking Late-Night Music Scene
This decision positions Jimmy Fallon's 'The Tonight Show' as the sole major late-night program that regularly books musical acts four nights a week. The trend of scaling back musical content has been accelerating across the board.
In 2024, 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' eliminated its house band, led by Fred Armisen, along with its music department due to budget cuts. Meanwhile, Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show,' which is scheduled to end in May 2026, typically hosts only one to two musical guests per week.
An analysis by Consequence of Sound highlighted a 'downward spiral' in late-night music bookings. After peaking at over 800 performances between 2011 and 2013, the number fell to close to 200 in 2023.
Music Was a Core Priority
The reduction is particularly striking given the historical emphasis on music for Kimmel's show. Music bookers Mac Burrus and Jim Pitt told Consequence of Sound that music had been a priority 'from day one.' Pitt expressed that they felt 'very fortunate' that Kimmel was such a strong supporter of the music space.
The news arrives just after Kimmel's win for Best Talk Show at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, January 5, 2026. The cutback illustrates the ongoing tension between creative vision and economic realities in broadcast television, signaling a continued evolution for the format of late-night entertainment.
