Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to American TV channel, ABC’s late-night lineup on Tuesday after a suspension that triggered heated debate over politics, free speech, and the future of late-night television.
ABC announced the decision following what it described as “thoughtful conversations” with the host.
The network had pulled down the show on September 18, just days after Kimmel’s controversial monologue on September 15, in which he addressed the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During that broadcast, Kimmel accused Republicans of politicising Kirk’s death, saying “many in MAGA land” were trying to frame the alleged killer as disconnected from conservative ideology. The remarks drew swift backlash from conservative leaders and media outlets.
Nexstar Media Group, which owns multiple ABC affiliates, pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its stations, calling the comments “offensive and insensitive.” Sinclair Broadcast Group soon followed. Shortly after, Disney announced the suspension.
The move was celebrated by US President Donald Trump.
On social media, he called it “great news for America” and congratulated ABC “for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” Trump also took a jab at the host, writing, “Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible.”
The suspension sparked widespread backlash across Hollywood.
More than 100 actors, writers, and comedians — including Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, and Lin-Manuel Miranda — signed an open letter organised by the ACLU. The letter described Kimmel’s suspension as “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”
Disney+ also faced boycott calls from subscribers who viewed the move as a capitulation to political pressure. The controversy unfolded during a turbulent period for late-night TV. CBS cancelled Stephen Colbert’s show earlier this summer, while Kimmel’s own contract is set to expire in May 2026.
Kimmel launched Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2003 and is one of the longest-serving late-night hosts. He began his career in radio in Seattle, Tampa, and Tucson before rising to national prominence. Over the years, he has hosted the Academy Awards four times and remains a major figure in American comedy, often using his platform for political commentary.