ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air Tuesday night, nearly a week after the network suspended the late-night host over controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
The decision follows what ABC described as “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, who faced intense criticism after suggesting that Trump supporters were attempting to reframe the motives of Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused in Kirk’s incedent.
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Affiliate Pushback Continues
Despite ABC’s green light, not every station will broadcast Kimmel’s return. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group—together representing about a quarter of ABC affiliates—confirmed they will continue to preempt the show until they are “assured of a respectful, constructive dialogue” on air.
This division underscores the deep tension surrounding the suspension, which sparked a nationwide debate on press freedom and political influence in the entertainment industry.
Political and Public Reactions
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension drew strong reactions across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump praised the move, even incorrectly declaring that the show had been canceled. Meanwhile, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of trying to mislead viewers, sparking backlash from figures like Sen. Ted Cruz, who compared Carr’s approach to “mafia tactics.”
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In response, hundreds of Hollywood stars including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Barbra Streisand signed an open letter condemning the suspension as “a dark moment for free speech in our nation.”
Some Disney+ subscribers even canceled their memberships in protest against ABC’s parent company, Disney.
The Late-Night Landscape Shifts
Stephen Colbert, who used his CBS monologue to joke that “our long national late nightmare is over,” also highlighted the fragile state of late-night TV. With declining viewership and major shows facing cancellations, the spotlight on Kimmel’s return reflects broader industry uncertainty.
Jimmy Kimmel’s current contract with ABC runs through May, leaving questions about how the network and the late-night format itself will adapt to shifting audience habits in the streaming era.
What Comes Next
While Jimmy Kimmel’s return is confirmed, how he addresses the controversy on air remains unclear. Millions are expected to tune in as the host steps back into the spotlight, marking not just a personal comeback but also a test for late-night comedy in an era of heightened political scrutiny.