Jimmy Kimmel Return: ABC Reinstates Show After Suspension

In a dramatic reversal, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to the ABC airwaves tonight, September 23rd, concluding a nearly week-long suspension that ignited a fierce national debate over free speech and government pressure . The decision comes after “thoughtful conversations” between Disney, ABC’s parent company, and the late-night host . This article provides a full breakdown of the events leading to the suspension, the powerful reactions from all sides, and what viewers can expect as the show makes its contentious comeback.

The Suspension: A Timeline of Events

The firestorm began with Kimmel’s monologue on the September 15th episode of his show. While addressing the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Kimmel stated, “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” . He also criticized former President Donald Trump’s response to the killing, comparing it to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish” .

The situation escalated rapidly when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, publicly condemned the monologue. On a conservative podcast, Carr suggested the FCC could take action, telling ABC and Disney, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way” . Shortly after, major ABC affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced they would preempt Kimmel’s show “for the foreseeable future” . This pressure culminated on September 17th, when ABC announced it was suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely .

Why Kimmel’s Comments Were Controversial

The core of the controversy lay in Kimmel’s characterization of the alleged killer. Authorities later indicated the suspect had recently shifted toward left-leaning political views, making Kimmel’s claim that he was part of the “MAGA gang” potentially inaccurate . ABC stated the suspension was because the network felt some comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive” during a tense national moment .

The Road to Reinstatement

The suspension triggered an immediate and powerful backlash, ultimately paving the way for the Jimmy Kimmel return. The reversal was the result of several key factors.

• Hollywood and Celebrity Pressure: Hundreds of A-list celebrities and creatives signed an open letter organized by the ACLU condemning the suspension as “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation” . Signatories included Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, and Robert De Niro .
• Bipartisan Political Criticism: While some Republicans supported the suspension, others like Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul criticized the FCC’s involvement. Cruz called Carr’s threats “dangerous as hell,” warning against government censorship .
• Public and Internal Pressure: Reports indicated Disney faced “intense” blowback, including protests outside its offices and canceled streaming subscriptions, creating significant pressure to reverse course .

After days of negotiations between Kimmel, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and other executives, ABC announced on September 22nd that the show would return the following night .

A Mixed Reception: Who is Airing the Return?

Despite ABC’s decision, the Jimmy Kimmel return is not being universally carried. The two largest affiliate groups that initially dropped the show are standing their ground.

The table below summarizes the stance of major affiliate owners regarding the show’s return.

Together, these groups control about a quarter of ABC’s national household reach, meaning a significant portion of the country will not see Kimmel’s return on their local ABC station .

Conclusion

The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks a significant moment in the ongoing cultural and political clashes surrounding media and free speech. While Kimmel’s comeback is a victory for his supporters, the fact that major affiliates are continuing their boycott highlights the deep divisions that remain. All eyes will be on Kimmel’s monologue tonight to see how he addresses the controversy. What do you think about the suspension and subsequent reinstatement? Share your thoughts on this complex issue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?

ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel following his September 15th monologue about Charlie Kirk’s death. The network stated the comments were “ill-timed and thus insensitive” . The suspension occurred after FCC pressure and decisions by major affiliates to drop the show.

2. When is Jimmy Kimmel returning to ABC?

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 . The show airs in its regular time slot.

3. Did Jimmy Kimmel apologize for his comments?

According to sources, Jimmy Kimmel negotiated his return without issuing an apology for his comments about Charlie Kirk . His monologue on the night of his return was highly anticipated to address the situation.

4. Will all ABC stations air Jimmy Kimmel’s show?

No. Major affiliate owners Sinclair and Nexstar have stated they will continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! and will not air his return . Viewers in markets served by these affiliates will see alternative programming.

5. What did the FCC chairman say about Jimmy Kimmel?

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said Kimmel appeared to “directly mislead the American public” and suggested the FCC could take action against ABC. He stated, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way” before the show was initially suspended.

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