After a sudden and controversial removal from his regular late-night slot on ABC, Jimmy Kimmel and Disney are currently in talks to find a compromise that would allow “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to return to the airwaves. This decision came after Nexstar and Sinclair, two major TV station owners, announced their intentions to pre-empt airings of the show following remarks made by Kimmel in relation to President Trump and the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
While there is no guarantee that Kimmel and Disney will reach an agreement, both parties are actively engaged in discussions to find a resolution. Kimmel, who has been the face of ABC’s late-night franchise since 2003, is aware of the impact a prolonged shutdown would have on his production staff and vendors in Los Angeles. The financial repercussions of the months-long writers and actors strikes in 2023 are still being felt by some crew members, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live” off the air has sparked criticism from both ends of the political spectrum. Free speech advocates have condemned Disney’s swift action, while conservatives have supported the move and even threatened to push for broadcast networks to lose their licenses over anti-Trump sentiments. Demonstrations outside Disney offices and the theater complex where the show is produced have further highlighted the contentious nature of the situation.
As discussions continue, ABC and Disney must proceed with caution due to the significant ad revenue generated by “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Ad spending on the show totaled $51.1 million in 2024, making up a substantial portion of late-night program advertising. Concerns had been raised to Kimmel by ABC and Disney executives regarding the sharpness of his critiques of President Trump, particularly in light of recent controversial remarks.
The controversy surrounding Kimmel has also drawn the attention of government officials, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatening action against ABC and praising Nexstar for their decision to pre-empt the show. As the situation unfolds, all parties involved are likely to face government scrutiny in the coming months, including Nexstar’s acquisition of Tegna and Disney’s business initiatives with the NFL and Fubo.
Despite the challenges, both Kimmel and Disney are working towards a resolution that would allow the late-night host to return to his show. Kimmel, who has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” for almost two decades, is aware that his late-night tenure may be coming to an end soon. However, the show remains an essential platform for his other projects with Disney, making a compromise all the more crucial for both parties involved.
