Kimmel Set to Resume ABC Show After Suspension Fallout

ABC is reinstating Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday following its indefinite suspension by the network after controversy stirred by his comments on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network said the decision followed “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel.

Kimmel had claimed that members of the MAGA movement were rushing to downplay any ideological connection to Kirk’s killer, prompting backlash from conservatives and regulatory threats from FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Major ABC affiliates such as Nexstar and Sinclair had pulled the show from their lineups.

Disney described Kimmel’s remarks as “ill-timed” and “insensitive”. It said the suspension was intended to defuse what it called emotional tensions at the time. ABC says Kimmel’s show will return with its usual 11:35pm ET timeslot.

Some affiliates, however, will still not air the returning episode. Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates dozens of ABC-affiliated stations, declared it will replace the show with news programming on its stations, pending further talks with ABC.

Disney has come under financial pressure during the suspension, with reports of subscriber cancellations impacting Disney+ and streaming service arms. Analysts suggest the combination of public backlash and economic losses helped drive the decision to reinstate the show.