Kimmel's Court Sidelines Late-Night: Major Markets Go Dark for NBA Finals

Late-night television's familiar laugh track is being temporarily muted in some of America's biggest cities. ABC's flagship talk show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live," is finding itself sidelined in major markets this week, making way for the high-stakes drama of the NBA Finals. This preemption underscores the undeniable power of live sports programming on network television, as millions tune in to watch basketball's championship showdown.

For loyal fans in key metropolitan areas, catching up with Jimmy Kimmel's witty monologues and celebrity interviews will require a bit of extra effort.

The popular host's show is giving up its prime late-night slot for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, a decision that highlights the network's prioritization of its lucrative sports broadcasting rights.

Viewers in major hubs like New York City (WABC-TV), Los Angeles (KABC-TV), Chicago (WLS-TV), Philadelphia (WPVI-TV), San Francisco (KGO-TV), and Raleigh (WTVD) will experience this broadcast disruption.

Instead of Kimmel's nightly antics, their local ABC affiliates will be dedicated to the thrilling conclusion of the basketball season, leading into local news programming.

This isn't an unprecedented move; network schedules frequently shift to accommodate major sporting events, especially championship series that command massive live audiences.

However, it invariably leaves a segment of regular viewers scrambling to find their favorite late-night entertainment. For those who typically rely on their local ABC channel for their nightly dose of Kimmel, the sudden absence might come as a surprise.

Fear not, dedicated fans! While linear television in these markets might be dark for Kimmel, the show remains readily accessible.

Viewers eager to keep up with new episodes can stream them on demand via Hulu or directly through ABC.com. This digital availability provides a crucial workaround for the show's faithful following, ensuring that no one misses out on the latest celebrity chat or viral segment, even if it means adjusting their viewing habits.

Meanwhile, for markets not affiliated with ABC or those outside the direct path of the NBA Finals broadcast, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" will continue to air as usual.

This split broadcast strategy emphasizes the localized impact of network scheduling decisions, creating a patchwork of availability across the country. As the NBA Finals continue to dominate the airwaves, Kimmel and his crew will be waiting in the wings, ready to reclaim their late-night spot once the final buzzer sounds and the champions are crowned.