Is Jimmy Kimmel really returning to ABC? Why are some stations refusing to air him?

After nearly a week of suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to return to ABC on Tuesday. The late-night host was pulled off the air after a fiery monologue about MAGA reactions to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments triggered backlash from conservative groups, FCC pressure, and station owners.

Disney, ABC’s parent company, suspended production, citing a need to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation.” Now, with the dust beginning to settle, Kimmel’s return is being framed not just as the comeback of a late-night host, but as a broader test of free speech in American media.

Why Are Some Stations Still Refusing to Air Kimmel?

Not every ABC affiliate will welcome Kimmel back. Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest station owners in the country, has announced that its ABC affiliates will continue preempting the show. Instead of Kimmel, Sinclair stations will air local news programming in the same late-night slot.

The decision reflects Sinclair’s conservative leadership, which condemned Kimmel’s remarks. While ABC says talks are ongoing, the standoff raises questions about whether corporate influence and political pressure are reshaping what audiences are allowed to see on national television.

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What Sparked the Suspension in the First Place?

The controversy began when Kimmel said the “MAGA gang” was trying to distance itself from the 22-year-old suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk, while simultaneously using the tragedy for political gain. Days later, FCC commissioner Brendan Carr, a Trump ally, suggested Kimmel should be suspended. Within hours, Sinclair and Nexstar signaled they would preempt the show, leading Disney to pull it temporarily.

The move stunned industry insiders, as late-night comedy has traditionally been a space for political commentary. Kimmel’s removal ignited debate over whether the U.S. government was exerting undue pressure on media outlets to silence critics.

How Are Hollywood and Free Speech Advocates Responding?

Kimmel’s suspension triggered a wave of protests and celebrity support. More than 400 artists, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter organized by the ACLU demanding his return. Demonstrators gathered outside Disney offices in New York, Burbank, and even the Hollywood theater where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is filmed.

PEN America called Kimmel’s reinstatement a “vindication for free speech,” while ACLU leaders argued ABC should never have suspended him in the first place. Democratic lawmakers, including Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Chuck Schumer, praised the decision as a victory against censorship.

What Happens Next for Jimmy Kimmel and ABC?

According to insiders, Kimmel plans to address the controversy directly in his Tuesday night monologue. But the road ahead is uncertain. Nexstar, another major station group, has yet to confirm whether it will resume airing the show.

Disney faces added pressure: Kimmel’s contract expires in May 2026, and late-night audiences have been shrinking. The company must balance corporate relationships, government approvals for major deals, and mounting concerns about freedom of expression. For Kimmel, his return may define not only his career but the future of late-night political comedy.

FAQs: Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Return

Q1. Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended from ABC?

Jimmy Kimmel was suspended after a monologue criticizing MAGA responses to Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which led to backlash from conservatives and pressure from FCC commissioner Brendan Carr.

Q2. When is Jimmy Kimmel returning to TV?

ABC announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, nearly a week after being pulled off the air.

Q3. Will all ABC stations air Jimmy Kimmel’s return?

No. Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliates, has confirmed it will continue preempting Kimmel’s show and airing local news instead. Nexstar has not yet clarified its position.

Q4. What did Jimmy Kimmel say that caused the controversy?

Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of trying to exploit the Charlie Kirk tragedy for political points while distancing themselves from the suspect. His remarks sparked outrage among conservatives.

Q5. Did government officials pressure ABC to suspend Kimmel?

Yes. FCC commissioner Brendan Carr publicly suggested Kimmel should be suspended. Critics argue this was an example of government intimidation and an attack on free speech.

Q6. Who supported Jimmy Kimmel during the suspension?

Over 400 artists, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Meryl Streep, signed an open letter organized by the ACLU. Free speech groups like PEN America also criticized Disney’s suspension.

Q7. Will Jimmy Kimmel address the suspension on air?

Yes. Sources close to the production say Kimmel plans to discuss the controversy in his first monologue back on Tuesday night.

Q8. Could Jimmy Kimmel’s job be at risk long term?

Possibly. His contract expires in May 2026, and Disney may weigh political pressures, declining late-night ratings, and corporate strategy before deciding on a renewal.