Jimmy Kimmel’s Talk Show Returns Amid Controversy
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show is set to return on Tuesday after being off the air for a week, but not every viewer will be able to tune in.
The break followed mounting political tension after remarks Kimmel made about the killing of activist Charlie Kirk sparked outrage. Disney, which owns ABC, explained that the pause was meant to prevent further division during an already emotional moment. “Some of the comments were ill-timed and insensitive,” the company said, adding that the show would resume after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy.”
Still, the return won’t be nationwide. Major broadcasting groups, including Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they will continue to block the show from airing on their local ABC affiliates. Sinclair, for instance, had demanded an apology to Kirk’s family and even a donation to his activist group before considering a return. Nexstar echoed the sentiment, saying they wanted assurances of “respectful, constructive dialogue” before lifting their boycott.
Kimmel, known for his sharp critiques of Donald Trump and his allies, had accused what he called the “MAGA gang” of politicizing Kirk’s death. His words fueled calls from conservatives, including pressure from the FCC, with threats that stations carrying the show could face license challenges.
The decision to suspend the program drew backlash from critics who saw it as government interference in free speech. Even some figures on the right expressed discomfort, among them Senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson, who said the move crossed a troubling line.
Trump, a frequent target of Kimmel’s monologues, has long bristled at media criticism and suggested last week that unfavorable coverage of him should be considered “illegal.”
Now, with the show returning to air, all eyes are on Kimmel’s opening monologue — and how he’ll address the storm surrounding his absence.
