5 Shocking Reasons Why Jimmy Kimmel Is Not On This Week (And When He’s Coming Back)

The question of "Why is Jimmy Kimmel not on this week?" is one of the most common searches for late-night TV fans, and as of December 12, 2025, the answer is usually a combination of scheduled breaks and the industry's standard operating procedure. While the show *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* was scheduled to air new episodes from Monday through Thursday this week, his absence on a Friday is entirely typical, as most late-night shows do not produce new content on the final day of the week. However, the curiosity around Kimmel’s occasional disappearances is often fueled by past, more dramatic reasons, ranging from sudden "personal matters" to a highly publicized, temporary suspension. To truly understand the host's schedule and the reasons for his absence, we must look beyond the typical holiday hiatuses and examine the full spectrum of reasons, both predictable and controversial, that have taken him off the air.

The Man Behind the Desk: Jimmy Kimmel Biography & Profile

Jimmy Kimmel, born James Christian Kimmel, has been a fixture in American late-night television for over two decades. His career trajectory is a fascinating journey from radio personality to one of the most influential voices in comedy and political commentary.

• Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
• Born: November 13, 1967
• Age: 58 (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
• Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
• Spouse: Molly McNearney (m. 2013); Gina Maddy (m. 1988; div. 2002)
• Children: Katie Kimmel, Kevin Kimmel, Jane Kimmel, William "Billy" Kimmel
• Career Highlights: Co-host of The Man Show (1999–2003), Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–present), Host of the Primetime Emmy Awards and Academy Awards (Oscars).
• Show Debut: Jimmy Kimmel Live! premiered on ABC on January 26, 2003.
• Political Stance: Known for increasingly political monologues and commentary, often critical of conservative figures.
• Health Matters: Has openly discussed his son Billy's congenital heart condition, which has led to some of his most emotional and high-profile absences.

The Predictable Hiatus: Annual Breaks and Standard Late-Night Schedule

For the majority of the year, if Jimmy Kimmel is not on the air, it is almost certainly due to a planned, recurring break that affects the entire late-night television landscape. These breaks are built into the production schedule to allow the host, writers, and crew a necessary rest period.

1. The Standard Friday & Holiday Dark Weeks

The most common reason for an absence is simply the day of the week. Jimmy Kimmel Live!, like most of its competitors, typically only airs new, original episodes from Monday through Thursday. If you tune in on a Friday, you will almost always see a rerun, or a "Best Of" episode. Furthermore, the show observes traditional "dark weeks" around major holidays. These include:

• The Summer Hiatus: A multi-week break, usually spanning July and August, which is the longest planned hiatus of the year.
• The Thanksgiving Break: A typical week-long break around the Thanksgiving holiday in November.
• The Christmas/New Year's Break: The longest holiday break, often lasting two to three weeks through late December and early January.
• The March Madness Break: Sometimes, the show will go dark or move time slots due to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

These scheduled breaks are essential for the production cycle, allowing the staff to recharge and plan for the next cycle of shows.

2. Guest Hosts and Scheduled Reruns

When Kimmel is on a planned vacation, the network will often air reruns instead of bringing in a guest host, which is a common practice for late-night shows. However, on occasion, especially during longer breaks, a rotating cast of guest hosts may step in to keep the show fresh. This is a deliberate programming choice and not a sign of any unexpected issue with the host.

The Unexpected and Controversial: Unplanned Absences That Spark Curiosity

While scheduled breaks are routine, the moments that truly drive the search query "why is jimmy kimmel not on this week" are the sudden, unplanned absences. These instances often involve significant personal or professional drama, leading to widespread speculation and media coverage.

3. Sudden "Personal Matters" and Family Health

On several occasions, Kimmel has abruptly canceled tapings due to an undisclosed "personal matter." These cancellations are rare but immediately raise alarm bells for fans. In one instance, a taping was canceled and then resumed the following Monday. The most well-known and understandable reason for a sudden absence is related to his family. Kimmel has publicly shared the ongoing health journey of his son, Billy, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Any necessary medical procedures or unexpected complications have, understandably, taken him away from the show without much advance notice, as family always takes precedence.

4. Mourning and Respect for Colleagues

Another emotional reason for a temporary halt in production has been the loss of a close colleague. In one high-profile instance, Kimmel and the entire staff took time off to mourn the passing of the show's beloved bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. Such a decision reflects the close-knit nature of a late-night production team and demonstrates respect for a long-time friend and co-worker. This pause, though unexpected, was fully supported by the network and the audience.

5. The Controversial Political Suspension

Perhaps the most dramatic and talked-about reason for a sudden absence was a temporary suspension of the show following highly controversial political commentary. After making stinging remarks about a political figure and a subsequent backlash, Kimmel's show was temporarily pulled off the air. This event highlighted the increasing tension between late-night hosts and the political sphere. While the suspension was not a permanent cancellation, it was a significant moment that demonstrated the real-world consequences of a host's political monologues. This type of forced hiatus is extremely rare in late-night television and serves as a major reason why the "why is he absent" query spikes dramatically whenever it occurs.

When Will Jimmy Kimmel Return?

If the show is currently in a dark week, the return date is usually announced on the show's social media channels or by the network (ABC). If you are watching during the current week of December 12, 2025, and Kimmel is absent, the most likely scenario is:

• It is Friday: The show is airing a rerun, and new episodes will resume on the following Monday.
• It is a Holiday Week: The show is on a scheduled break, and new episodes will return after the New Year (in this case, early January 2026).

For the most up-to-date schedule, always check the official Jimmy Kimmel Live! schedule or the ABC press site, as any sudden "personal matter" absence is usually announced just hours before the scheduled taping. The show’s production team is highly efficient at getting the host back on the air quickly, making any unscheduled break a brief, temporary event.