ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after remarks on Charlie Kirk’s death spark backlash from Nexstar affiliates and political leaders.

Published Time: 09-18-2025, 14:30 EDT

ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s long-running late-night show after comments he made regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew widespread criticism. The decision comes as several ABC-affiliated stations, including those operated by Nexstar Communications Group, announced they would no longer air the program.

The move marks a significant shift for ABC, which has aired Kimmel’s show since 2003, and highlights the growing tension between late-night comedy, political discourse, and network sensitivities in an election year climate.

ABC Responds to Controversy

Kimmel’s suspension followed remarks made on his Monday and Tuesday night broadcasts, where he criticized political reactions to Kirk’s assassination. During Monday’s monologue, he said:

“We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

His comments triggered a swift reaction from Nexstar Communications Group, which oversees 23 ABC affiliate stations. Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, stated in a release that Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.”

By Wednesday, Nexstar confirmed its affiliates would not broadcast the program. ABC followed by placing Kimmel’s late-night show on indefinite suspension.

Political Figures Weigh In

The controversy soon reached the political arena. White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday evening:

“Welcome to Consequence Culture. Normal, common sense Americans are no longer taking the nonsense and companies like ABC are finally willing to do the right and reasonable thing.”

Kimmel himself has not publicly responded to the suspension as of Thursday afternoon.

Kimmel’s Monologues and Criticism

In his opening segment Monday, Kimmel mocked former President Donald Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, saying:

“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?”

He also criticized FBI Director Kash Patel’s handling of the case, suggesting Patel appeared unprepared, “like a kid who didn’t read the book, BS’ing his way through an oral report.”

The following night, Kimmel continued addressing the topic, this time turning his focus to Vice President JD Vance, who recently guest-hosted Kirk’s podcast. Kimmel accused Trump of “fanning the flames” by attacking political opponents, questioning the consistency of right-wing narratives:

“Which is it? Are they a bunch of sissy pickleball players too scared to be hit by tennis balls, or a well-organized deadly team of commandos? Because they can’t be both of those things.”

A History of Political Commentary

Kimmel has long been one of late-night television’s most outspoken critics of Trump and his policies, often using his platform to highlight political controversies. His approach mirrors that of CBS host Stephen Colbert, who has similarly leaned into political satire.

Earlier this year, CBS announced that Colbert’s program would be ending for financial reasons, though some observers speculated his sharp commentary on Trump may have contributed to the decision.

The suspension of Kimmel’s program now places ABC in a challenging position: balancing its longstanding investment in a late-night staple against mounting political sensitivities and affiliate pressure.

What Comes Next for ABC and Late-Night TV

With Kimmel’s show suspended, ABC has not yet announced what will fill the late-night programming slot. Industry analysts suggest the network faces tough choices: whether to reinstate Kimmel after public reaction settles, seek a temporary guest host, or overhaul the program entirely.

The suspension also reignites questions about the role of political humor in mainstream entertainment. Late-night television has historically served as a venue for satire and critique, but in today’s polarized climate, remarks can quickly generate backlash that influences corporate decisions.

Media analysts note that Kimmel’s case underscores the challenges networks face in balancing free expression with affiliate and advertiser concerns. “It’s a classic example of how entertainment and politics are inseparably linked in today’s media environment,” said Dr. Laura McKinney, a professor of media studies at Columbia University.

Broader Implications for Political Satire

The controversy arrives during a particularly heated political season. With debates over free speech, media responsibility, and political polarization at the forefront, Kimmel’s suspension may set a precedent for how networks handle similar situations.

While ABC has taken immediate action, the long-term consequences remain unclear. Whether this decision signals a shift away from politically charged late-night content, or merely a pause in response to immediate pressure, will be closely watched by media observers and audiences alike.

For now, Kimmel’s absence leaves a notable gap in late-night television—a space where political humor has often thrived but is increasingly scrutinized in an era of heightened sensitivities.