ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has gotten a warm welcome on its first night airing 30 minutes earlier.

Jimmy Kimmel went head-to-head Tuesday for the first time against CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” and NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” According to Nielsen fast national ratings, Kimmel edged out Dave Letterman and ran slightly behind Jay Leno in total viewers.

Tuesday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was seen by roughly 3 million viewers, only 177,000 fewer than the audience for the “Tonight Show.” It beat “Late Show” by 115,000 viewers.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live” scored its second-largest audience ever while exceeding the average audience in its previous berth by 59 percent.

‘Days’ renewed

As “Days of Our Lives” marks its 12,000th episode Friday, the daytime soap has another reason to celebrate: NBC has renewed the series through September 2014.

The renewal will carry the soap through its 48th anniversary this November, the network said in a news release Wednesday.

‘SNL’ taps Bieber

Justin Bieber is headed to “Saturday Night Live” for a dual stint as host and musical guest for the Feb. 9 episode, NBC said this week.

‘SNL’ returns from its winter break Jan. 19 with host Jennifer Lawrence. Adam Levine will host Jan. 26.

Gabor report

A judge says Zsa Zsa Gabor’s husband should remain the ailing actress’ conservator until at least August.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Reva Goetz ruled Wednesday that Frederic von Anhalt must provide an accounting of Gabor’s assets.

An attorney appointed to oversee Gabor’s interests states in a report that von Anhalt has generally done a good job caring for his wife.

Happy birthday

Among celebrity birthdays today: Singer Frank Sinatra Jr. is 69. Singer Rod Stewart is 68. Singer-keyboardist Donald Fagen is 65. Actor William Sanderson is 65. Singer Pat Benatar is 60. Singer Shawn Colvin is 57. Singer-guitarist Curt Kirkwood is 54. Singer Brad Roberts is 49. Actress Trini Alvarado is 46. Singer Brent Smith is 35. Rapper Chris Smith is 34.