In a surprising move that has left fans baffled, ITV has abruptly dropped Jimmy Kimmel's long-running US talk show from its nightly schedule. The sudden disappearance of Jimmy Kimmel Live! from ITV2 marks a significant shift in the channel's late-night programming strategy.
The American import, a staple for UK viewers seeking stateside celebrity interviews and comedy segments, vanished from the airwaves without any prior announcement from the broadcaster. The show had occupied a regular slot, providing a dose of Hollywood glamour and humour to British audiences after prime time.
What's Replacing The Show?
Filling the void left by Kimmel's departure, ITV2 has inserted repeats of the popular panel show Celebrity Juice into the 11:05 PM slot. This decision to replace original, first-run US content with repeat domestic programming has raised eyebrows among media commentators and loyal viewers alike.
The change was first noticed by sharp-eyed viewers who tuned in for their nightly fix of the ABC show, only to find it missing from the listings. The switch appears to be part of a broader, unpublicised scheduling overhaul by the network.
Silence from the Broadcasters
Neither ITV nor ABC, the show's US home, has provided an official statement or reasoning behind the sudden cancellation of its UK broadcast. This lack of communication has fuelled speculation online about the reasons for the show's removal.
The move is particularly puzzling given the show's consistent performance and the host's high profile, especially after his well-publicised and serious health scare with his son Billy earlier this year, which drew sympathy and support from a global audience.
For now, dedicated UK fans of Jimmy Kimmel are left without their regular late-night entertainment, wondering if this scheduling change is a temporary experiment or a permanent new direction for ITV2.
