Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show returns to ABC on September 23, 2025, after a brief suspension related to his controversial remarks. Sinclair stations still don’t air the show.
Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC Late Night After Brief Suspension
Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC’s late-night lineup on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. His show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, was suspended last week amid controversy over remarks he made regarding the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Headliners Spotlight
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The Walt Disney Company announced on Monday, September 22, that Jimmy Kimmel Live will resume airing on Tuesday, September 23.
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Sinclair, the broadcasting firm that owns the largest collection of ABC affiliates in the country, stated shortly after that it would be “preempting” Jimmy Kimmel Live! on all of its ABC affiliate stations.
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The announcement follows ABC’s initial decision to “indefinitely” suspend the show due to the host’s remarks on Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10.
Suspension Sparks National Debate
Kimmel was suspended on September 17. ABC removed his show to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation,” citing that some comments were “ill-timed” and “insensitive.” The suspension sparked fierce debates nationwide about free speech and political correctness.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair, Brendan Carr, criticized Kimmel’s remarks. He warned broadcasters about possible consequences, threatening the licenses of ABC affiliate stations airing the show. Several major station groups, including Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar, refused to air the show during suspension.
Negotiations and Thoughtful Discussions
In the days following the suspension, Disney and ABC engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel. After reviewing, they decided to bring the show back, describing the earlier comments as poorly timed but not grounds for a long-term ban.
Disney’s statement said, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” Kimmel remained silent publicly during the suspension period.
Sinclair Stations Take Different Route
Despite ABC’s reinstatement announcement, Sinclair Broadcast Group decided not to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its 39 ABC affiliate stations during the show’s return. Sinclair is airing news programming instead.
The media group demands an apology and possibly other conditions before airing the show again. Talks between Sinclair and ABC are ongoing, but it remains unclear when or if Sinclair stations will carry Kimmel going forward.
Financial Impact on Disney
Disney suffered significant financial losses during the upheaval. Reports estimate over $4 billion in stock value wiped out amid controversy. Disney’s stock price took a hit as investors fretted over the political standoff and possible FCC repercussions.
Despite this, Disney appears committed to supporting Kimmel, emphasizing free expression. The company’s leadership spearheaded the effort to bring the show back quickly.
What to Expect from Jimmy Kimmel’s Return
Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC’s late-night slot at 11:35 PM ET / 10:35 PM CT on September 23. The show airs live and remains available on streaming platforms such as Hulu.
Kimmel’s upcoming shows are expected to continue his trademark mix of humor and social commentary. However, insiders suggest there may be some moderation regarding how certain topics are approached to avoid further backlash.
Show’s Time Slot and Audience
Kimmel’s show holds a competitive place in late-night TV. Its usual time slot, 11:35 PM Eastern, attracts millions nightly. Whether or not Sinclair stations will pick the show back up will impact overall ratings.
Nexstar Media Group, another large ABC affiliate owner, has also pulled Kimmel but has not announced whether it will air the show again.
Broader Context: Late Night and Politics
Kimmel’s situation highlights tensions between political commentary in entertainment and audience sensitivity. Other late-night hosts have faced varying consequences over on-air comments.
The incident has drawn reactions from media personalities, lawmakers, and a broad segment of the public grappling with free speech limits in today’s polarized climate.
Support from Entertainment Industry
Over 400 celebrities and creators, including Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, signed a letter organized by the ACLU. They supported Kimmel, defending free expression and condemning pressures threatening artistic voices.
This backing played a role in ABC’s decision to reinstate the show, underscoring the influence of unified public support.
What This Means for Jimmy Kimmel’s Career
Kimmel remains a pivotal figure in late-night TV. His show’s swift return underlines his importance to ABC and Disney. The controversy and comeback may even boost his profile further, as public interest peaks.
As he resumes his platform, fans will watch closely how the host navigates commentary and audience expectations moving forward.