Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-night Show to Return as ABC Calls Out Comedian’s ‘Insensitive’ Comments in Blistering Statement

On September 22, 2025, parent company Disney confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC on the following day, Tuesday, September 23.

The network issued a statement detailing their reasoning: “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to temporarily suspend production on the show in an effort to manage an escalating and sensitive situation in our nation.”

They continued, “This was a measure taken because we believed some remarks made were inappropriate and poorly timed.”

Following several discussions with Kimmel, the network concluded that it was appropriate for the show to return.

Multiple insiders have revealed Kimmel is anticipated to address his recent suspension during the filming of his show on Tuesday.

The forthcoming decision to reinstate Kimmel was influenced by high-ranking Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment.

Initially, the decision to sideline Kimmel arose after major station owners, Nexstar Media and Sinclair, declared they would temporarily replace his program following controversial comments he made regarding the individual suspected of assassinating political figure Charlie Kirk. Kimmel described the suspect, Tyler Robinson, as a member of the MAGA Republican group, igniting widespread backlash.

In his remarks, Kimmel stated, “Over the weekend, we witnessed disturbing attempts from the MAGA faction to redefine the narrative surrounding this young individual who took Charlie Kirk’s life, while leveraging the situation for political advantage.”

In response to Kimmel’s remarks, Nexstar announced that “all owned and partner television affiliates associated with the ABC Network will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! for the foreseeable future.”

The company expressed strong disapproval of Kimmel’s comments, stating, “We find Mr. Kimmel’s statements about the murder of Mr. Kirk to be excessively offensive and insensitive in such a delicate moment for our national dialogue.” They have since begun replacing his show with alternative programming across their ABC-affiliated stations.

Nexstar’s President, Andrew Alford, affirmed this decision, asserting, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks do not resonate with the diverse opinions and values of the communities we serve. Allowing him airtime in these towns is not acting in the public’s best interest at this time, prompting us to make this difficult but necessary decision to pull his show until a more appropriate climate for discussion emerges.”

As of yet, it remains uncertain whether the affiliates will resume broadcasting his show.

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Kimmel’s controversy escalated quickly after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued threats of “immediate action” against Kimmel, the ABC network, and Disney for purportedly “misleading the public” regarding the political affiliations of Kirk’s alleged assassin.

Carr explained that broadcasting licenses granted by the FCC come with the obligation to act in the public interest. He emphasized, “When we encounter situations like this, we can either address them amicably or brace for increased regulatory scrutiny. There are avenues for these companies to rectify their conduct concerning Kimmel, or they may face ongoing challenges from the FCC.”