It’s not exactly clear why, but judging from its guest list this week, Jimmy Kimmel Live! seems poised to party like it’s 1985.
On tap are music performances from Christopher Cross, Men at Work, Howard Jones, Debbie Gibson, and Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles—each a defining name from the decade of synths, shoulder pads, and MTV.
Kimmel’s couch won’t be short on ’80s icons either. Jason Bateman—who first rose to fame as a child actor on the sitcom Silver Spoons—are all slated to appear. Even George Clooney, who played handyman George Burnett on The Facts of Life before his ER days, is set to stop by.
ABC hasn’t offered any explanation yet for the ’80s-centric guest list, but the nostalgia is unmistakable.
It wouldn’t be the first time Jimmy Kimmel Live! has leaned into the decade. During the 2021 Live in Front of a Studio Audience special that recreated the announcer Ernie Anderson made it feel straight out of the Reagan era—and Kimmel’s guest that night happened to be the same one appearing tonight: George Clooney.
Here’s Kimmel’s entire lineup this week:
• Mon., Nov. 10 – George Clooney, Mike Tyson; musical guest Christopher Cross
• Tue., Nov. 11 – Eddie Murphy, Morgan Fairchild; musical guest Men at Work
• Wed., Nov. 12 – Musical guest Howard Jones; Debbie Gibson sits in with Cleto and the Cletones
• Thu., Nov. 13 – Jason Bateman, Mr. T; musical guest Susanna Hoffs
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Episodes stream next day on Hulu.
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Well done