Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is set to return to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after a nearly week-long suspension triggered by controversial comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Not all viewers will see the show’s return, as Sinclair, which operates over 35 ABC affiliate stations, plans to replace Kimmel’s time slot with news programming.
The controversy erupted when Kimmel, in a monologue last week, offered condolences to Kirk’s family but criticized some Republicans, saying, “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.” Utah authorities noted the 22-year-old suspect had recently begun to “lean more left” and targeted Kirk for his political views. The remarks sparked backlash, with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr calling them “the sickest conduct possible” and suggesting regulatory action against ABC affiliates.
Within hours, Sinclair and Nexstar, major owners of ABC affiliate stations, announced they would pull Kimmel’s show, and ABC suspended it “indefinitely.” Disney, ABC’s parent company, explained the suspension was to avoid “further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” The decision fueled a national debate over free speech, with Disney facing criticism from unions, liberal lawmakers, and Hollywood figures like David Letterman, who accused the company of yielding to an “authoritarian, criminal administration.” Over 400 celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, and Meryl Streep, signed an ACLU-organized letter calling Disney’s move a “dark moment for freedom of speech.”
Some conservatives, including President Donald Trump, supported ABC’s initial decision, with Trump falsely claiming Kimmel was fired due to “bad ratings.” However, Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul raised concerns about the FCC’s involvement, with Paul calling Carr’s comments “inappropriate.” On Monday, Disney announced Kimmel’s return after “thoughtful conversations,” stating the show would resume Tuesday, with Kimmel expected to address the controversy in his monologue. Sinclair, however, stood firm, stating, “Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming.” Nexstar has not confirmed whether its stations will air the show.
The decision to reinstate Kimmel drew praise from free speech advocates. FCC Commissioner Anna M. Gomez said, “I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation.” The ACLU and PEN America also applauded the move, with PEN America’s Summer Lopez calling it a “vindication for free speech.” Protests outside Disney’s offices and public outcry likely influenced the decision. The controversy underscores tensions between free speech, media, and political influence, with Sinclair’s refusal to air the show highlighting the challenges of a polarized media landscape. As discussions continue, the nation awaits the resolution of this clash over free expression.
