Jimmy Kimmel Returns to 'Live!' After Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel made his return to ‘Live!’ just six days after ABC suspended his show due to remarks he made about the late Charlie Kirk. While he approached the situation with a somewhat ambiguous apology, he refrained from directly saying “sorry.”

Kimmel, visibly moved, expressed that he never intended to belittle the tragedy surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death. He took a notable stand for free speech and slammed the pressure he alleged the FCC and President Donald Trump exerted to remove him from his position.

He humorously referenced the potential preemption of “Celebrity Family Feud,” but acknowledged that the last 48 hours felt almost dreamlike. Kimmel likened this turmoil to that faced by the CEO of Tylenol during a notable crisis, adding that everyone he’s known, including Larry—the Seattle radio boss who’d once fired him for rejecting a donut-themed skit—had reached out in support.

Highlighting a rare moment of unity across political divides, Kimmel expressed gratitude to ABC for their 23 years of backing. He critiqued Trump’s apparent campaign to silence late-night hosts, showcasing the absurdity of artists facing censorship for their opinions.

Kimmel thanked his audience for their support in voicing their opinions, particularly those who may not agree with him but nonetheless defended his entitlement to remain on the airwaves.

Kimmel extended his thanks to fellow late-night hosts, including Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, John Stewart, and Jay Leno, acknowledging that the support had even reached international borders.

Earlier, Kimmel resumed his Instagram presence with a picture alongside Norman Lear, a prominent advocate for First Amendment rights.

As previously reported on Monday, ABC declared Kimmel would return to air following what they described as “thoughtful conversations” in recent days.

However, Kimmel’s program will not air on all of the network’s affiliates, as Media Group and Sinclair, who own numerous affiliate stations, have confirmed they will continue to preempt ‘Live!’ for the foreseeable future.