Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC After Week-Long Suspension, But Controversy Continues to Swirl

In a stunning turn of events that saw a major talk show pulled from the airwaves, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has returned to ABC. The show’s comeback on Tuesday night followed a nearly week-long suspension triggered by comments Kimmel made on his show, but the controversy is far from over. While the network reinstated its host, two of the country’s largest broadcast affiliate groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, have announced they will continue to preempt the show, fueling an ongoing debate about free speech and corporate pressure.

The ordeal has pitted a late-night host against powerful political figures and television conglomerates, sparking a national conversation about the limits of comedy and the influence of a polarizing political climate.

A Monologue Leads to Suspension

The controversy began during Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, where he addressed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel criticized what he called the “MAGA gang” for “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” His comments drew immediate outrage, and within days, the situation escalated dramatically.

On September 17, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, an appointee of President Donald Trump, publicly suggested that Kimmel’s show should be suspended. Shortly after, two major station groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, which own dozens of ABC affiliates across the country, announced they would preempt the show. In a rare and dramatic move, ABC parent company Disney then suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely.

The Public and Industry Rally Behind Kimmel

The suspension was met with swift and fierce backlash. Over 400 artists, including Hollywood heavyweights like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, signed an open letter in support of Kimmel, organized by the ACLU. Protests were organized outside of Disney’s offices in New York and Burbank, and at the theater where the show is recorded in Hollywood.

Fellow late-night hosts were also quick to come to Kimmel’s defense. On his show, Stephen Colbert declared, “Our long, national late-nightmare is over,” upon hearing news of the show’s return. Legendary comedian David Letterman condemned the suspension as “managed media” and said, “You can’t go around firing somebody because you’re fearful or trying to suck up to an authoritarian, criminal administration.”

A Complicated Comeback

After a weekend of intense public pressure and private “thoughtful conversations,” Disney announced on Monday, September 22, that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return to air on Tuesday. The company stated that the suspension was made to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation” but that they had now decided to reinstate the show.

However, the return was not as simple as flipping a switch. President Trump reacted angrily to the news, threatening to sue ABC again. Meanwhile, the station affiliates that triggered the suspension remained defiant. In a statement to USA TODAY, Sinclair confirmed that it would continue to preempt Kimmel’s show, replacing it with news programming. Nexstar announced a similar decision, stating that it would not air the show pending “assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue.”

The incident highlights the complex pressures facing major media companies, including Disney CEO Bob Iger, as they navigate political alliances and sensitive negotiations with the government while trying to maintain audience share and revenue.

What time does ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on tonight?

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to return Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT.

How to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ tonight

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” generally airs on ABC; however, ABC affiliates owned by Sinclair or Nexstar will not broadcast the Sept. 23 episode. Other ways to watch ABC include the following platforms (follow the hyperlink for broadcast details in your area):

• DirecTV
• Fubo
• Sling
• Hulu + Live TV

You can also sign in with your TV provider on ABC.com.

Episodes of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are available for streaming on Hulu the following day, and clips are posted to the show’s YouTube page.