Jimmy Kimmel loses power; tapes entire show via laptop (VIDEO)

If they're on long enough, it seems like every talk show will eventually be hit with a power outage at some point in their run. Usually, those talkers take advantage of the situation, having some fun with the brownout -- taping their show via candles, or outdoors.

For ABC's Jimmy Kimmel, whose power went out Monday night an hour before showtime, the talker also found a way to keep things going -- thanks to the host's battery-operated MacBook.

According to a "Jimmy Kimmel Live" spokesperson, the power at Kimmel's Hollywood studio shut down moments before shoot time -- rendering the control room, broadcast transmission center and tape operations area useless.

Because his guests were already there, and the show's studio audience was already seated, Kimmel used his MacBook's camera, via Photo Booth, to record the show.

Said a spokesperson: "The sound is certainly not ideal, but the movement is not too impaired as Jimmy was conscious of not moving the laptop too quickly, although it is a single shot. We moved forward with what we had to work with though, and were fortunate to have accommodating guests who were willing to go with the situation."

Seth Rogen ("The Green Hornet"), John Henson ("Wipeout") and country star Dierks Bentley were the show's guests; Bentley performed via acoustic guitar.

I'm always a little suspect of how much of these kind of stunts are real, and how much of it is, well, a stunt. Especially because it always seems like "some" power is still mysteriously available. In the case of "Kimmel," the lights were still working, even if the cameras weren't.

But "Kimmel's" reps swear up and down this was a real brownout, and a real solution to that situation. (My idea, the next time someone is hit with this situation: Race over to the nearest RiteAid, purchase every FlipCam you can find, and have the audience shoot the show. Then edit together the results.)

The MacBook edition of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" airs tonight at 12:05 a.m.

Here's a clip: