The backlashes and the loss of over $4 billion have finally paid off. The late nightmare is over – well, partly – as
Jimmy Kimmel is set to make a comeback!
Late-night TV watchers can now mark their calendars, because the Emmy-winning American comedian and late-night host is heading back to the airwaves!
After Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended by ABC amid controversy, the network has now announced its return. The show was pulled off the air temporarily following controversial remarks by Kimmel about the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which provoked backlash from political leaders, media corporations, and affiliate stations. However, thanks to a tremendous amount of pushback from people – notable personalities and common citizens – ABC and Disney have now decided to resume production of the popular show.
As the comedian prepares to resume hosting, many are asking: When exactly will the show return? What will change? And how are ABC and its affiliates responding to the storm?
The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!: What we know
The suspension: What happened
On September 17, ABC (owned by Disney) suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, after Jimmy Kimmel made remarks in his monologue that criticized how some conservatives were politicizing the killing of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s remarks criticized how some political groups (“the MAGA gang”) were trying to use Kirk’s death for political gain.
These comments drew strong backlash, not only from conservatives and affiliate stations but also scrutiny from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Several large ABC affiliate station groups – most notably Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair – refused to air the show, saying his comments were “offensive and insensitive.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including its chair, Brendan Carr, entered the conversation, warning of broadcast license implications and demanding accountability.
The return: What led to it
After widespread criticism and nationwide pushback over free speech concerns, ABC announced that the show is set to return this week.
When?ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday, September 23. The show will return in its usual late-night slot, beginning at around 11:35 PM Eastern Time (10:35 p.m. Central Time), which is when new late-night shows typically start on ABC. While the exact airing schedule hasn’t been explicitly changed in public announcements, it is expected to resume in its usual slot.
What changes and what remains in question
While ABC and Disney have lifted the suspension, several “fresh changes” or complications are already visible. Some are confirmed, some are still under negotiation.
Thoughtful conversations and network review: Disney said that over the past few days, it engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with Jimmy Kimmel and network leadership. After these internal discussions, the decision was made to bring the show back. The network described some of Kimmel’s comments as “ill-timed” and “insensitive.” ABC has not issued an explicit public apology from Kimmel, but the framing suggests potential adjustments in how statements are handled or delivered.
Affiliate station divergence: Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns or controls many ABC affiliate stations, will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its 39 ABC affiliate stations on the show’s return date (Tuesday). They are replacing the timeslot with news programming. Talks between Sinclair and ABC are ongoing. It’s unclear whether Sinclair will ever pick the show back up; they have demanded conditions, including an apology and possibly financial gestures (e.g., a donation), before reinstating it on their stations.
Regulatory and political pressure: The Federal Communications Commission’s chair, Brendan Carr, weighed in, warning about possible regulatory consequences for ABC or its affiliates over what it considered controversial speech. This pressure likely contributed to ABC’s decision to pause, review, and resume. Public debate over free speech, corporate responsibility, and political polarization has intensified, with many entertainers, civil liberties groups, and members of the public speaking out.
No announcement of content restrictions (yet): As of the latest public information, ABC or Disney has not announced concrete changes to the format of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (e.g., removing segments, altering topics) or a formal requirement that Jimmy Kimmel issue apologies. But the network’s statement about “ill-timed” remarks suggests they may be more cautious.
Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s suspension (two months after the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show) had sparked widespread debate over censorship and nationwide pushback over free speech and media accountability. Over 400 figures in the entertainment industry signed open letters in support of Kimmel. Moreover, the FCC’s role (and threats of license review) still remains part of the story. Many are holding their breath to see whether what was said about restraints or oversight during the suspension will translate into ongoing editorial caution.
Furthermore, because affiliates like Sinclair won’t air the show, many viewers will not be able to see Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its traditional time slot on local television via those stations. However, it remains to be seen how – if at all – streaming or other platforms may fill in or provide access for affected markets.
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