ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Show After Suspension

Published: September 23, 2025, 15:00 EDT

ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel will return to his late-night program Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a weeklong suspension that sparked national debate over free speech, political pressure, and corporate decision-making. The reinstatement follows days of criticism, support from entertainers, and heightened scrutiny of government influence on media companies.

ABC Confirms Kimmel’s Return

In a statement released Monday, ABC said it had “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel and decided to bring him back on air starting Tuesday. The decision reverses last week’s indefinite suspension after remarks Kimmel made during a monologue about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

During the segment, Kimmel commented that “many in MAGA land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and suggested that efforts were underway to shift the narrative about the suspect’s political affiliations.

Reactions from Affiliates and Industry Leaders

The suspension immediately triggered backlash across the media landscape. Two of ABC’s largest affiliate groups, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, announced plans to drop Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their stations. At the same time, fellow comedians and entertainers defended Kimmel’s right to satirical commentary.

Neither Nexstar nor Sinclair responded to requests for comment following ABC’s reversal. Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Turning Point USA — the conservative group founded by Kirk and now led by his widow — criticized the decision on social media, writing that “Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmel back on the air is not surprising, but it’s their mistake to make.”

Political and Regulatory Pressures

Former President Donald Trump, a frequent subject of Kimmel’s humor, celebrated the original suspension on social media, calling it “great news for America” and suggesting other late-night hosts should be fired as well. He has not publicly commented on the reinstatement.

The situation also drew attention from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Commissioner Brendan Carr warned broadcasters about Kimmel’s remarks, suggesting that networks could face regulatory challenges if they failed to respond. However, Carr later clarified that the FCC had not threatened to revoke station licenses. “Jimmy Kimmel is in the situation he’s in because of his ratings, not because of anything that’s happened at the federal government level,” Carr said during remarks at the Concordia Annual Summit.

Corporate Interests at Stake

Kimmel’s suspension highlighted the complex relationship between media companies and federal regulators. The Walt Disney Company, ABC’s parent company, requires government approval for ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network. Meanwhile, Nexstar is seeking approval for its $6.2 billion purchase of broadcaster Tegna, and Sinclair has ongoing petitions before the FCC to ease ownership restrictions.

Observers noted that these pending deals added to the perception of political and regulatory pressure surrounding ABC’s handling of Kimmel’s case.

Late-Night Television in Transition

Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, remains one of late night’s longest-tenured hosts. His contract with Disney-owned ABC runs through May 2026. The controversy comes at a time of major change for the genre: earlier this year, CBS announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show, signaling shifts in audience demand and network strategy.

Kimmel has previously acknowledged concerns about political pressure on comedians. In a 2023 interview with Variety, he said, “You’d have to be naive not to worry a little bit. But that can’t change what you’re doing.”

Entertainment Industry Pushback

The decision to suspend Kimmel drew strong responses from Hollywood and Broadway. On Monday, more than 430 artists — including Robert De Niro, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Lin-Manuel Miranda — signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The letter argued that silencing a comedian represented “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

The co-hosts of The View also addressed the controversy after initially avoiding it. Whoopi Goldberg opened Monday’s broadcast by stating, “No one silences us,” with other panelists condemning Disney’s earlier suspension decision.

Broader Implications for Free Speech

The Kimmel suspension and reinstatement underscore the ongoing debate over free expression in U.S. media, particularly in an era of heightened political polarization. With corporations balancing advertiser interests, regulatory scrutiny, and public opinion, late-night hosts remain at the intersection of comedy, commentary, and controversy.

Whether Kimmel’s reinstatement eases tensions or reignites debate will depend on how networks, audiences, and policymakers navigate the fragile balance between free speech protections and the business of broadcasting.