ABC makes disappointing announcement about Jimmy Kimmel Live!

RBM100308_J011156_JKL_LOGO_V1

Fans tuning into ABC this week with hopes of hearing from Jimmy Kimmel are in for an unwelcome surprise. The network announced its schedule for the week, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! received a disappointing update.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! goes dark with no new episodes scheduled from March 30 through April 3.
While it may come as a surprise to casual viewers, these kinds of spring hiatuses are a regular occurrence across the late-night television world. With both Easter and Passover falling this coming weekend, many shows opt to pause production, giving hosts, writers, and crews a chance to recharge. In fact, several other late-night programs are also expected to be off the air this week, making it a full-scale slowdown for the genre.

For Jimmy Kimmel, the timing may be especially welcome. The host found himself in the headlines last week following a joke aimed at newly appointed Homeland Security secretary Markwayne Mullin, which drew criticism in some circles. Kimmel’s remarks, which referenced Mullin’s background in plumbing, were called out by critics who viewed them as elitist and dismissive of skilled trades. Everyone from President Donald Trump to Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe had something to say about it.

In the meantime, ABC will fill the week with a lineup of recent reruns, offering viewers a chance to catch up on interviews and monologues they may have missed.

On Monday, March 30, revisit conversations with Harrison Ford and Scrubs star Sarah Chalke that originally aired March 10. Tuesday night replays the March 16 episode with Euphoria and The Drama star Zendaya and comedian Jeff Ross.

Wednesday, rewatch Kimmel confront Robert Pattinson about his history of lying before also welcoming Sarah Shahi and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Thursday, the March 24 episode with Elizabeth Banks and Jimmy O. Yang gets another run. The week ends on Friday when ABC reairs the March 25 episode that starred singer Niall Horan and The Boys actress Erin Moriarty.

Although there won’t be any new monologues or viral moments this week, the rerun scheudle is stacked with A-list guests and recent highlights. For fans, it’s a chance to revisit some of the biggest interviews of the month … or simply take a breather alongside the Kimmel and the rest of his late-night TV team.