Jimmy Kimmel takes trip down memory lane to celebrate 20th anniversary of ABC talk show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

HOLLYWOOD– On January 26, 2003, the world saw the debut of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

This week the show is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a prime time special.

There was a party recently to celebrate Kimmel’s big milestone and he admitted he was surprised by his nightly longevity.

“It was harder than I thought, and it’s really weird that we’ve been together for 20 years!” he said.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live” has come a long way in his 20 years on late-night television. Now we’re looking back at all of that history with an anniversary episode that takes us back to the very first night.

Eyewitness News entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon sat down with Kimmel to discuss the two-decade shows.

“Obviously we’re going to remember some of the things that have happened over the past 20 years, but our show is also the same guest cast as our very first show,” Kimmel said. “Snoop Dogg is my co-host, George Clooney is the guest and Coldplay is the band – just like in 2003.”

WATCH: “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” looks back on 20 years of late-night TV

Some of Kimmel’s family members work on the show, and many came to the anniversary party, including his “spirited” aunt Chippy, who sometimes appears on the show.

“You call me temperamental? Everyone calls me an A*****,” she joked on the red carpet. “I can not believe that. You call me temperamental? I will tell my whole family that I am spirited now.”

“I don’t come from a family that has ever accomplished anything in the world of show business or anything other than a middle-class upbringing. So being on TV is really exciting for all of us and we’re just happy it worked out,” Kimmel said.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live 20th Anniversary show airs Thursday, January 26 on ABC.