ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel's Late-Night Show After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Comments

Jimmy Kimmel's Show Reinstated After Suspension: A Timeline of Events

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to ABC on Tuesday, September 23rd, following a week-long suspension sparked by the host's comments regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision to reinstate the show follows intense discussions between Kimmel and Disney, ABC's parent company, and a significant backlash against the suspension from various corners of the entertainment and political spheres.

The Controversy and Suspension

The controversy arose from Kimmel's monologue on September 15th, where he commented on the reactions to Kirk's death. Kimmel stated that the "MAGA gang" was "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it." This remark triggered a wave of criticism, particularly from conservative voices, leading to calls for Kimmel's firing.

Following the backlash, Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), criticized Kimmel's remarks and suggested that ABC take action. Subsequently, major ABC affiliate owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their stations. In response, Disney suspended the show indefinitely, a decision that ignited a national debate about free speech and censorship.

The Reinstatement and Reactions

Disney announced Kimmel's reinstatement on September 22nd, stating that they had "spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday." However, not all ABC affiliates will be airing Kimmel's return. Sinclair Broadcast Group announced that its ABC affiliates would preempt the show with news programming, while discussions with ABC are ongoing. Nexstar has not yet commented on its plans.

The reinstatement has been met with mixed reactions. Stephen Colbert celebrated the news, while others, including Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet, expressed disappointment. Celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter decrying attempts at government censorship. Politicians such as Senator Ted Cruz and Senator Rand Paul criticized the FCC's involvement.

The Broader Context

The suspension and reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel Live! occurred within a broader context of heightened political tensions and scrutiny of media outlets. President Trump has been critical of late-night hosts and has pursued legal actions against media organizations. The incident also highlighted the complex web of business interests that require approval from the U.S. government, involving companies like Disney and Nexstar.

Responses from Late Night Hosts

Other late-night hosts have weighed in on the controversy. Seth Meyers welcomed back his friend, pointing out the hypocrisy of holding Kimmel accountable while Trump has frequently made statements about persecuting his political enemies. Stephen Colbert also reacted joyfully, joking about being the only "martyr" left in late night.