ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Following Outcry Over Suspension

After several tense days of controversy ABC announced on Monday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the air today. The late-night host’s indefinite suspension stemmed from remarks he made during a monologue on September 15 tied to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had criticized what he called efforts by some in the MAGA movement to use Kirk’s death for political gain.

The network pulled the show last Wednesday as backlash mounted. Major ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair stopped airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The FCC chair Brendan Carr had also weighed in, warning the network and its parent company, Disney, of possible regulatory consequences if they did not respond.

In a statement, ABC said that the decision to suspend production was made to avoid further inflaming an already emotional moment in the country. They described some of Kimmel’s comments as “ill timed and thus insensitive.” After days of consultations including “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, they decided to bring the show back.

Support for Kimmel was widespread. Over 400 artists including actors, producers, writers and directors signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union arguing the suspension was a threat to free speech. Talk show hosts such as John Oliver and Bill Maher criticized ABC’s move and raised concerns about political influence and the role of the FCC in matters of broadcast speech.

Even with ABC’s reinstatement, some affiliates are holding back. Sinclair announced that its stations will not air Kimmel’s show when it resumes, citing demands including apology and donations to the family of Charlie Kirk. Discussions between ABC and several affiliates remain ongoing.

This episode has reignited debates over free expression, broadcast regulation and political pressure in media. Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003 and has become a lightning rod during this controversy.