Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Comments
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after a week-long suspension. The suspension stemmed from controversial comments Kimmel made regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, announced the decision on Monday, ending the debate over free speech and network censorship.
The Controversy
The controversy began after Kimmel's monologue on September 15, where he commented on the reaction to Kirk's death. Kimmel stated, "We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang 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."
These remarks drew immediate criticism, including from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr, who suggested ABC could face consequences. Major ABC affiliate groups, like Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group, also threatened to preempt the show. ABC then suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely.
"Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country," - The Walt Disney Company.
Backlash and Support
The suspension ignited a firestorm of reactions. Fellow late-night hosts, Hollywood celebrities, and politicians voiced their opinions. Many criticized Disney for what they saw as caving to political pressure and infringing on free speech. An open letter from the ACLU, signed by over 400 celebrities, condemned the suspension.
However, some conservatives, including former President Donald Trump, applauded Kimmel's removal. Trump posted on social media, calling the suspension "great news for America."
Affiliate Concerns
Despite ABC's reinstatement of the show, some affiliate groups may still preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! Sinclair announced it would replace the program with news programming on its ABC affiliates. Nexstar has yet to comment, leaving the show's reach across the country uncertain.
Sinclair said in a statement, "Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return."
| Key Players | Position |
|---|---|
| Jimmy Kimmel | Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live! |
| Brendan Carr | FCC Chair |
| Charlie Kirk | Conservative Activist |
| The Walt Disney Company | Owner of ABC |
| Nexstar and Sinclair | ABC Affiliate Groups |
What's Next for Jimmy Kimmel Live?
Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on Tuesday's show. It remains to be seen whether he will apologize for his comments or defend them. The situation highlights the growing tensions between media companies, political figures, and the ongoing debate over free speech in the modern media landscape. It comes at a tumultuous time for late-night TV, with Stephen Colbert's Late Show set to end in May.
“We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” Disney said in a statement.
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