ABC has announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will mark its 1,000th episode with an extended, 90-minute special on Thursday, April 3. Might we see another Matt Damon video? Here’s the announcement:
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” makes show history with their first-ever 90-minute special in celebration of the 1000th episode on ABC, THURSDAY, APRIL 3 (11:35 p.m. -1:05 a.m., ET, approx.). Airing at 11:35 p.m., 30 minutes earlier than normal, the show is packed with entertaining comedy surprises and memorable guest appearances. “Nightline” will return to its regular timeslot the following night.
“Late night shows take time to grow and get into a rhythm; Jimmy has done that and really struck a chord, appealing to viewers on a personal and relatable level,” said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. “Jimmy’s latest accomplishments not only prove his reach and accessibility, but also his unparalleled connection to the younger audiences and his ability to get A-list celebrities from across the industry to sleep with him and his girlfriend. We’re very proud of Jimmy’s work and congratulate him on his 1000th episode.”
“Jimmy Kimmel Live” celebrates this milestone in addition to the recent viral music video sensations produced by the show. During the “Jimmy Kimmel Live: 5th Anniversary” episode on January 31, a video featuring Sarah Silverman and Matt Damon premiered which prompted the now famous rebuttal music video starring host Jimmy Kimmel and Ben Affleck, with cameo appearances by Brad Pitt, Harrison Ford, Cameron Diaz and Don Cheadle, along with numerous other celebrities and music artists, that premiered during the third annual “Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards” special on February 24. Both videos have garnered over 12 million views on YouTube to date.
Since “Jimmy Kimmel Live’s” network debut on January 26, 2003, the show has welcomed such memorable celebrities as George Clooney, Naomi Watts, Ben Affleck, Janet Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Hilary Swank, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Orlando Bloom, Cameron Diaz, Robin Williams, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Garner, Steve Carell, Vince Vaughn, Teri Hatcher, Robin Williams, Regis Philbin, Mariah Carey, Sting, Eva Longoria, Mark Wahlberg, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Don Rickles, Mike Tyson, Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani, Pink, Patrick Dempsey, Katherine Heigl and Beyonce Knowles, as well as hosted performances by Coldplay, The Killers, Ozzy Osbourne, Kelly Clarkson, Linkin Park, Incubus, Destiny’s Child, Avril Lavigne, 50 Cent and many more, including Matt Damon well, almost Matt Damon.
Packed with hilarious comedy bits and a fantastic house band, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” features a diverse lineup of guests that includes celebrities, athletes, musicians, comedians and humorous human interest subjects. Each night Jimmy strives to do what no other late-night talk show can do — deliver up-to-the minute news on the latest topics though sometimes enhanced for the sake of comedy. Jimmy Kimmel and Jill Leiderman serve as executive producers of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Jason Schrift and Douglas DeLuca are co-executive producers. The show is shot live in front of a studio audience and produced by Jackhole Industries in association with ABC Studios.
