Jimmy Kimmel Set to Resume Show as Affiliate Stations Rebel
content-team
Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2025 — After nearly a week off the air, Jimmy Kimmel is scheduled to return to his late-night slot, though his comeback comes with a twist: many viewers won’t see him.
Back from suspension
ABC and parent company Disney confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will be back on Tuesday night. The network had suspended Kimmel for six days following remarks he made about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, a controversy that rippled quickly through politics and media circles.
Major broadcasters refuse to air him
Two powerhouse station groups, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group, announced they will continue to block Kimmel’s show from their ABC affiliates. Between them, they control more than a quarter of ABC stations nationwide — a sizable chunk of the late-night audience.
Sinclair demanded both an on-air apology and a donation to Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, before reconsidering. Nexstar framed its decision around “maintaining civility,” pledging to air local programming instead of Kimmel in the late-night slot.
Kimmel breaks his silence
After days of silence, Kimmel resurfaced with a social media post honoring legendary television producer Norman Lear, seen by many as a quiet statement of resilience ahead of his return.
Divided reactions
The suspension has stirred sharp debate:
-
Supporters of Kimmel argue the punishment was excessive and sets a troubling precedent for restricting entertainers’ speech.
-
Critics say his comments crossed a line, and affiliates are within their rights to pull the program.
-
Observers note the dispute reflects deeper tensions over political influence in American media.
Kimmel may be back on air, but the standoff with affiliates ensures his voice won’t reach its full audience. For now, his return underscores the growing divide between network programming and the local broadcasters that carry it.
