Jimmy Kimmel Live is not included with a standard Disney Plus subscription
Jimmy Kimmel Live airs on ABC as a late-night talk show, and Disney Plus does not carry new episodes as part of its regular streaming library. If you want to watch full episodes, you will need to use a different streaming service or watch through ABC's own platforms.
Disney does own ABC, which means the company controls the rights to the show. However, Disney has chosen to distribute Jimmy Kimmel Live through other channels rather than bundle it with Disney Plus. This separation is common across Disney's portfolio — the company keeps different shows on different platforms to serve different audiences and pricing tiers.
Key Takeaways
- Jimmy Kimmel Live episodes are not available on Disney Plus, even with a paid subscription.
- You can watch full episodes free on ABC.com or the ABC app by signing in with a cable or streaming TV provider account.
- Hulu (which Disney also owns) carries recent episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live with a standard subscription.
- YouTube clips and highlight reels from the show are posted regularly and do not require any subscription.
Watch full episodes on Hulu instead
Hulu is the easiest paid option if you want to watch full episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Disney owns both Hulu and ABC, so the show streams there with a standard Hulu subscription — you do not need an add-on or premium tier. New episodes typically appear on Hulu the day after they air on ABC.
If you already subscribe to Disney Plus, you may have access to Hulu as part of a bundle. Disney offers a package that combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a single monthly price, which is cheaper than paying for each service separately. Check your Disney Plus account settings to see whether Hulu is included in your current plan.
Stream free episodes through ABC.com or the ABC app
ABC.com and the ABC app both stream full episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live for free, but you will need to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account. This means you must have an active subscription to a service like Comcast, Dish, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, or similar — the free stream is a perk for existing pay-TV customers, not a standalone free option.
The ABC app is available on most devices: phones, tablets, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and web browsers. Search for "ABC" in your device's app store to read it. Once installed, select Jimmy Kimmel Live from the show list, choose an episode, and tap "Sign In" when prompted. You will be directed to your provider's login page.
Find clips and highlights on YouTube
The official Jimmy Kimmel Live YouTube channel posts clips, monologues, and interview highlights from each episode within hours of broadcast. These short videos are free and do not require a subscription or sign-in. If you want to catch memorable moments or specific guest interviews without watching the full episode, YouTube is the fastest route.
The clips are typically 5 to 15 minutes long, so they work well if you have limited time. The channel also posts "Best Of" compilations and recurring segments like "Mean Tweets" and "Celebrities Read Mean Tweets." Keep in mind that YouTube clips are not the complete episode — they are edited highlights chosen by the show's team.
Why Jimmy Kimmel Live is not on Disney Plus
Disney Plus focuses on family-friendly content and entertainment that appeals to a broad audience, including children. Jimmy Kimmel Live is a late-night talk show aimed at adults, with comedy that often includes mature themes and language. Keeping the show off Disney Plus helps Disney maintain the platform's brand identity and content standards.
Additionally, Disney uses different streaming services to serve different viewing habits. Hulu carries more general entertainment and adult-oriented shows, while Disney Plus remains the home for family content, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney originals. This strategy allows Disney to charge different prices for different audiences and keep each platform focused on its core users.
Compare your options for watching
| Service | Cost | Full Episodes | Sign-In Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hulu | $7.99–$14.99/month | Yes, next day | No |
| ABC.com or ABC app | Free | Yes | Yes (cable/streaming TV provider) |
| YouTube | Free | No (clips only) | No |
| Disney Plus | $7.99–$13.99/month | No | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Jimmy Kimmel Live ever come to Disney Plus?
There is no announcement from Disney about adding the show to Disney Plus. Since the company has a dedicated late-night and general entertainment platform in Hulu, it is unlikely to move the show. Disney's strategy keeps adult content separate from family content, and that approach has not changed.
Can I watch Jimmy Kimmel Live with a Disney Plus bundle?
Not through Disney Plus itself, but if your bundle includes Hulu, you can watch on Hulu. The Disney Bundle combines Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. Check your account to see which services are included in your plan.
Are the YouTube clips the same as full episodes?
No. YouTube posts selected highlights and segments, usually 5 to 15 minutes long. A full episode runs about 45 minutes. If you want to see the entire show, use Hulu or ABC.com instead.
Do I need cable to watch on ABC.com?
Yes. ABC.com requires you to sign in with a cable or streaming TV provider account — services like Comcast, Dish, YouTube TV, or Hulu with Live TV. If you do not have one of these, Hulu is your best paid option.