Like its timeslot rival “Late Show with David Letterman,” ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” spent the past week under the overwhelming shadow of NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
The end result might be the same next week, but the scenario should be far different. “Tonight” will no longer benefit from premiere week buzz or lead-in support from the Winter Olympics. Though it will still be benefiting from immense curiosity, it will be a more mortal competitor for “Kimmel.”
And as the ABC series looks to establish itself against NBC’s new version of “Tonight,” it will turn to some interesting guests.
Confirmed for interviews with Kimmel are names like Liam Neeson, Kevin Spacey and Kerry Washington. Ellen DeGeneres, who hosts next Sunday’s Academy Awards broadcast on ABC, will also appear.
Benmont Tench, Sky Ferreira, Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa will provide music.
ABC’s latest “Kimmel” listings follow:
Monday, February 24
1. Actor Liam Neeson (“Non-Stop”) 2. Animal trainer Dave Salmoni
Tuesday, February 25
1. Actor Kevin Spacey (“House of Cards”) 2. Actor Ansel Elgort (“The Fault in Our Stars”) 3. Musical guest Benmont Tench
Wednesday, February 26
1. Ellen DeGeneres (“The Oscars”) 2. Tom Ford 3. Musical guest Sky Ferreira
Thursday, February 27
1. Actress Kerry Washington (“Scandal”) 2. Host Michael Strahan (“LIVE with Kelly and Michael”) 3. Musical guest Juicy J featuring Wiz Khalifa
Friday, February 28
TBD
