Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Deadpan comedian offers controversial late-night fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say the show has become increasingly political and unfunny, leading to disappointment among viewers who once enjoyed it for its comedic value. Many express frustration with the political jabs and lack of variety in content, while a few remain supportive, appreciating the host's style and perspective.
- political focus
- lack of humor
- audience treatment
- poor content variety
- viewer dissatisfaction
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 8 kid reviews
What's the Story?
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE combines traditional variety show stunts with major celebrity performances to create its signature brand of late-night entertainment. Creator/host Jimmy Kimmel entertains audiences with his deadpan humor during his stand-up monologues and interviews with celebrities, while noteworthy performances from major musical bands and up-and-coming artists add to the entertainment. Running gags and bits with titles like "Unnecessary Censorship" and "Touch the Head" are often carried out with the help of computer graphics, YouTube videos, and the show's in house band. Also adding to the fray are skits that plug products from the show's sponsors.
Is It Any Good?
The show features the traditional stunts of any late-night talk/comedy show, while also managing to attract a diverse group of celebrity guests and performers to keep things interesting. And Kimmel's incorporation of family and friends into the show adds a fun variation to the typical late-night shenanigans.
While Kimmel's humor sometimes seems understated, over its tenure, the show has occasionally faced potential censorship thanks to some of his iffier remarks. But Kimmel's ability to successfully create entertaining segments reacting to these controversies has made the series even more popular. Whether you find Jimmy Kimmel Live hilariously funny or downright silly, the show has left an indelible mark on late-night entertainment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether comedians have a responsibility to be careful when telling jokes or playing pranks on people. Who or what determines when comedians "go too far"? Would you consider Kimmel a good role model?
Is censorship of the media ever a good thing?
How do late-night shows influence other areas of the media?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 26, 2003
- Cast : Jimmy Kimmel
- Network : ABC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Award : Emmy - Emmy Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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