Jimmy Kimmel Live Nexstar and Sinclair Drama Explained

Jimmy Kimmel and ABC have reportedly struck a deal for his return to late-night television, yet that hasn’t stopped media giants Nexstar and Sinclair from continuing their battle.

Us Weekly confirmed that ABC had temporarily suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! in response to the uproar over comments Kimmel made regarding the individual implicated in the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the reaction from former President Donald Trump. The network originally stated that this suspension was “indefinite.” Rumors circulated that Nexstar Media threatened to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its programming, prompting ABC’s hasty decision.

This move was met with significant backlash from fans and critics alike, including an open letter signed by 400 celebrities advocating for Kimmel’s return on September 22. Following this, ABC announced he would reappear on screens the following night.

In a statement, the Walt Disney Company outlined their rationale: “Last Wednesday, we decided to suspend production to avoid escalating a difficult situation at a sensitive time for our nation. This choice stemmed from a belief that some comments were poorly timed and potentially offensive. We held thoughtful discussions with Jimmy over the past few days, leading to our decision to reinstate the show on Tuesday.”

Despite Kimmel’s reinstatement, both Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Media Group quickly issued statements indicating that their affiliates would continue the preemption of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. However, Sinclair later reversed their stance, announcing plans to resume airing the show on their networks immediately.

To clarify the ongoing drama surrounding Kimmel, let’s examine what’s happening with Nexstar and Sinclair and which areas will remain devoid of Jimmy Kimmel Live!:

When Does Jimmy Kimmel Make His Late Night Comeback?

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, with guests including Glen Powell and musical act Sarah McLachlan.

Why Are Certain ABC Stations Excluding ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’?

A selection of ABC affiliates will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! due to the persistent decisions of Nexstar and Sinclair to abstain from broadcasting the program.

Understanding Nexstar and Sinclair

Nexstar and Sinclair are two of the largest media conglomerates responsible for a plethora of local television stations across the United States, acting as affiliates for major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. While larger markets may see network ownership, smaller markets often rely on these affiliations.

What’s Nexstar and Sinclair’s Problem with Jimmy Kimmel?

Both media groups supported ABC in their suspension of Kimmel, arguing it was a necessary response to his remarks following Kirk’s untimely death. Sinclair had even gone as far as calling for Kimmel to apologize directly to Kirk’s family and make a “meaningful personal donation” to his nonprofit.

Which Regions Are Missing Out on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’?

The refusal from Nexstar and Sinclair to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! will impact nearly 70 ABC local stations nationwide.

In Nexstar’s case, affected cities include Amarillo and San Angelo in Texas, Birmingham and Mobile in Alabama, as well as cities across Illinois, West Virginia, South Carolina, and several others stretching from Ohio to Washington, D.C.

Sinclair’s blackout will reach areas including Nashville and Knoxville in Tennessee, Salt Lake City, and various locations in Michigan and New York, among others.

Where Else Can Viewers Catch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’?

Aside from its live airing on ABC, Jimmy Kimmel Live! can also be streamed a day later on Hulu, ensuring that fans do not miss out entirely.

Sinclair Calls Off ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Boycott

On September 26, Sinclair announced they would discontinue their preemption of Kimmel’s show, allowing all 38 of their ABC affiliates to air a rerun of his September 23 episode—marking his post-controversy return.

In their statement, Sinclair highlighted, “While we recognize that not every viewer will agree with our programming decisions, it is contradictory to advocate for free speech while pressuring broadcasters to air specific content,” as reported by Variety.

Nexstar Ends Boycott Following Sinclair

In swift succession after Sinclair’s announcement on resuming Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nexstar also declared their return to broadcasting Kimmel that same evening.

“We value the discussions we’ve had with executives from The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive responses to our concerns,” said Nexstar. “As a local broadcaster, we remain dedicated to upholding the First Amendment, delivering factual and unbiased local and national news, and prioritizing content that best serves our local communities.”

The statement further emphasized, “We stand apart from the landscape of cable television, overarching streaming services, and national networks, adhering to our commitment—to serve and reflect the diverse sensibilities of our audiences. Our principles have guided our actions throughout this situation, free from any undue pressure from government bodies or external parties.”