The late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to make its comeback on ABC this Tuesday night, as announced by the network, following a nearly week-long suspension due to a contentious monologue by the host regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The show's return follows days of protests outside Disney offices in New York and California, a public letter signed by over 400 celebrities expressing support for Kimmel, and a nationwide debate on freedom of speech versus political pressure.
ABC's parent company, Disney, stated in a release that the program was temporarily paused "to prevent further escalation during a sensitive time for the nation" and that, after discussions with Kimmel, they decided to resume airing the show. However, not all ABC-affiliated stations will broadcast the program. Sinclair, which owns numerous local stations, announced that its affiliates will halt airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! starting this Tuesday, opting to broadcast news content instead. "We are assessing the potential return of the show," a Sinclair spokesperson told CNN. Meanwhile, Nexstar, another major player in the industry, has yet to confirm if they will resume broadcasting the show.
The initial suspension came after Kimmel's monologue suggested that the MAGA movement was attempting to distance the alleged murderer of Charlie Kirk from Republican ideology for political gain. The backlash was swift. Brendan Carr, a Trump ally at the FCC, publicly called for Kimmel's suspension. Just hours later, ABC pulled the show off the air.
The decision sparked strong criticism from artists, organizations like the ACLU and PEN America, and Democratic leaders. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it "a win for free speech," while Senator Chuck Schumer stated it was about "standing up to Donald Trump's abuses."
Jimmy Kimmel, who plans to address the controversy in his monologue tonight, has not made any public statements, but sources close to the show indicated the return will be "bold and uncensored." Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs Monday through Friday at 11:35 p.m. (Eastern Time) and employs over 200 people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy Kimmel's Suspension and Return
What led to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension from ABC?
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended following a controversial monologue about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, where he discussed political implications involving the MAGA movement.
How did the public react to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
The suspension triggered protests outside Disney offices, a public letter signed by over 400 celebrities supporting Kimmel, and a national debate on freedom of expression.
Will all ABC stations resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
Not all ABC stations will resume airing the show. Sinclair has announced its affiliates will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live!, while Nexstar has not yet confirmed their decision.