Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television on ABC Tuesday night with emotional remarks for “making light” of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said Tuesday night as he choked up. His opening monologue garnered more than 13 million views on YouTube, and 5.7 million views on Instagram in less than a day.
Last week, ABC pulled Kimmel’s show indefinitely after he suggested Kirk’s suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was “MAGA.” Officials have said Robinson subscribed to “leftist” ideology.
Shortly before Kimmel’s show aired, President Donald Trump threatened to “test ABC,” and alluded to the $16 million settlement the network paid in a previous defamation lawsuit.
“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
When ABC suspended Kimmel’s show, it caused an uproar among celebrities, politicians and others who saw it as a violation of free speech.
While Disney may have brought Kimmel’s show back, nearly one-third of ABC stations will not carry the show after Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group decided to continue boycotting the program.
Jimmy Kimmel late-night return: Key points
- Kimmel's opening monologue viewed by millions on social media
- Five things to know about Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night
- Trump fumes at Kimmel's return to ABC, threatens to 'test' network
- Jimmy Kimmel chokes up as he returns to live show
- Kimmel's star-studded show, included Robert De Niro appearance
Kimmel's latest monologue now his most-viewed video in more than a year
19:48 , Katie HawkinsonJimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue from Tuesday night is now his most-viewed upload in over a year, Rolling Stone reports.
Kimmel’s monologue has now earned more than 13 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million on Instagram.
Kimmel's mom teared up during his first episode since ABC suspension: report
19:11 , Katie HawkinsonJimmy Kimmel’s mom, Joan, teared up as her son delivered his first opening monologue since ABC preempted Jimmy Kimmel Live last week.
Leesa Bates, who attended the taping and sat next to Kimmel’s parents in the audience, told People that Joan was “wiping her eyes several times” throughout the show.
Joan was prepared to cry before the show started, Bates told People.
“She said, ‘If I start to cry, I'm sorry,’ ” Bates recalled. “And I said, ‘No, if you start to cry, I’m going to start to cry.’ And we did. But it was very sweet. She’s a very nice lady.”
ICYMI: Jimmy Kimmel Live didn't air in several states after Nexstar joined Sinclair boycott
18:45 , Katie HawkinsonNexstar Media and Sinclair Inc. are continuing to boycott Jimmy Kimmel Live despite the program’s return to ABC yesterday.
Tom Murray and Kevin E G Perry have the details:
Jimmy Kimmel Live won’t air in several states as Nexstar joins Sinclair boycott
Tennessee man arrested for posting meme ‘threatening violence’ in Facebook group for Charlie Kirk vigil
18:15 , Katie HawkinsonA Tennessee man was arrested on Monday for making “threats of mass violence” after posting a meme in a Facebook group where people were organizing a vigil for Charlie Kirk.
Larry Bushart Jr., 61, a former police officer, posted a meme of President Donald Trump in the Perry County community group page as members of the page were organizing a vigil to honor Kirk.
Tennessee man arrested after posting meme in Facebook group for Charlie Kirk vigil
Amid Jimmy Kimmel suspension fallout Disney+ is getting more expensive. Here are the new monthly costs
17:45 , Katie HawkinsonDisney is increasing the cost of some of its streaming service bundles as controversy around the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, Live! continues.
Mike Bedigan has the story:
Amid Kimmel suspension fallout Disney+ prices are going up. Here are the new costs
Kimmel's opening monologue viewed by millions on social media
17:21 , Katie HawkinsonJimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue on Tuesday — his first since ABC suspended his late-night talk show — garnered millions of views online.
The monologue has 11 million views on YouTube as of Wednesday afternoon, along with 5.1 million views on Instagram.
The broadcast ratings for Kimmel’s latest episode aren’t yet available.
In case you missed it, watch part of Kimmel’s opening monologue below:
Watch: Robert De Niro makes surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel
16:45 , Katie HawkinsonComment: Trump hates jokers like Jimmy Kimmel because he knows punchlines hit harder than politics
16:15 , Shaparak KhorsandiLast night, Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television, and so Donald Trump has reacquired one of his most persistent and most effective critics.
Why are comedians so much better than politicians at criticising Donald Trump? The answer is simple. It has always been thus. Comedy cuts through the nonsense and speaks to the gut in the way senators and governors cannot. Donald Trump understands this, and so for him, it is intolerable.
Keep reading:
Trump hates jokers like Kimmel because he knows punchlines hit harder than politics
Pedro Pascal supports Jimmy Kimmel despite Disney lead roles
15:45 , Jacob StolworthyHollywood star Pedro Pascal has jumped to Jimmy Kimmel’s defence despite his association with Disney.
Pascal, who stars in Disney’s The Mandalorian, said he was standing with Kimmel, writing on Instagram: “Defend free speech.”
The actor also shared a photo of himself alongside Kimmel.
Keep reading:
ICYMI: Trump's full message to ABC after Kimmel returned to TV
15:15 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump criticized ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s return in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump wrote. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Read his full post below:
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel receives standing ovation as audience chants his name during show opening
14:48 , Katie HawkinsonRoseanne Barr calls out ABC for ‘double standard’ after Jimmy Kimmel’s return
14:16 , Greg EvansRoseanne Barr has hit out at ABC after the network allowed Jimmy Kimmel to return to the air following a brief suspension.
In 2018, Barr’s hit sitcom Roseanne was cancelled by the network after the actor posted a racist social media rant about former Barack Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett. However, she feels that a double standard is at play after Kimmel’s return.
Keep reading:
Roseanne Barr calls out ABC for ‘double standard’ after Jimmy Kimmel’s return
Jimmy Kimmel chokes up as he returns to live show
14:02 , Jacob StolworthyJimmy Kimmel became audibly emotional as he returned to air Tuesday night, assuring his audience that it was “never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
The late-night talk-show host was greeted by two lengthy standing ovations as he kicked off his show, and thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle.
“If you like me, like me, if you don’t, you don’t. I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind,” he said, appearing to break down as he added: “But I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump threatened to “test ABC” after the broadcaster allowed Kimmel to return. “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump fumed on Truth Social prior to the show’s airing. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Read more from Mike Bedigan:
MAGA furious at Disney and ABC over Jimmy Kimmel’s return
12:50 , Jacob StolworthyConservatives, including President Donald Trump, express anger over short duration of comedian’s suspension following ‘insensitive’ comments over fallout from murder of Charlie Kirk.
Joe Sommerlad reports:
What will Nexstar and Sinclair broadcast instead of Kimmel?
12:20 , Jacob StolworthyNexstar and Sinclair, two major television station owners, have announced they will continue not to air Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, despite ABC bringing the program back.
Instead, the ABC-affiliated stations under Nexstar and Sinclair will broadcast local news programming, per CNN.
‘Why Trump hates jokers like Jimmy Kimmel'
11:50 , Jacob StolworthyHistory has long shown that despots will punish humour precisely because it is uncontrollable. But the return of the cancelled US talk show host shows the people will side with the comedian every time, writes stand-up Shaparak Khorsandi
Trump hates jokers like Kimmel because he knows punchlines hit harder than politics
Why was Jimmy Kimmel temporarily suspended?
11:22 , Jacob StolworthyJimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was initially pulled from schedules due to his comments about Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting.
US network ABC revealed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would not be broadcast for a week after the host made controversial implications about the identity of Tyler Robinson, the suspected gunman behind the conservative activist’s killing.
More here:
The Charlie Kirk comment that got Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show axed
Joe Rogan sounds off on Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV after Charlie Kirk suspension
10:30 , Jacob StolworthyJimmy Kimmel has the chance to be bigger than ever following the talk show host’s controversial ABC late-night suspension, podcaster Joe Rogan has predicted.
Rogan said that Jimmy Kimmel Live viewership will likely soar after a massive public outcry over ABC’s decision to preempt the show “indefinitely” last week due to Kimmel’s on-air comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
“The internet is just buck wild, and the internet you can’t do anything about,” Rogan said on Tuesday’s episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “I certainly think that for Jimmy Kimmel, all this does is help him. It makes his show bigger, much more support. I’m sure there’s a lot of hate as well, which is not fun.”
ABC announced Monday it will resume airing Kimmel’s show, but Rogan’s latest episode appears to have been filmed beforehand. The podcaster correctly predicted Kimmel’s show would only be suspended for “a short amount of time,” then brought back.
Read more from Katie Hawkinson:
Joe Rogan sounds off on Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV after Charlie Kirk suspension
Kimmel shares blistering message for Trump
10:00 , Jacob StolworthyIn his opening monologue, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back when addressing Donald Trump’s reaction to his temprary suspension.
“You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now. ”
What Jimmy Kimmel said upon his return
09:30 , Jacob StolworthyJimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his late-night show Tuesday night after a nearly weeklong suspension for remarks he made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.
For 16 minutes, Kimmel mixed humor, pointed messages, and emotion to talk about his suspension and the support he’s received.
Here are seven key moments from his opening monologue:
Watch: What Jimmy Kimmel said on live TV about Charlie Kirk's death that got him suspended by ABC
09:00 , Rachel DobkinICYMI: Jimmy Kimmel shares photo of First Amendment champion Norman Lear
08:30 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel posted a photograph of himself with the late television writer Norman Lear on Tuesday
He captioned the image: “Missing this guy today.”
The Instagram post serves as a tribute to the All In The Family creator, who died in December 2023 at the age of 101.
It could also be seen as a pointed message to Kimmel’s critics. Lear was an outspoken liberal activist who vocally defended the First Amendment, which enshrines the right to freedom of speech. He founded the progressive advocacy organization People for the American Way.
Read more from Kevin E G Perry:
Jimmy Kimmel breaks silence with photo of First Amendment champion ahead of return
Joe Rogan sounds off on Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV after Charlie Kirk suspension
08:00 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel has the chance to be bigger than ever following the talk show host’s controversial ABC late-night suspension, podcaster Joe Rogan has predicted.
Rogan said that Jimmy Kimmel Live viewership will likely soar after a massive public outcry over ABC’s decision to preempt the show “indefinitely” last week due to Kimmel’s on-air comments about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
“The internet is just buck wild, and the internet you can't do anything about,” Rogan said on Tuesday’s episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. “I certainly think that for Jimmy Kimmel, all this does is help him. It makes his show bigger, much more support. I’m sure there’s a lot of hate as well, which is not fun.”
ABC announced Monday it will resume airing Kimmel’s show, but Rogan’s latest episode appears to have been filmed beforehand. The podcaster correctly predicted Kimmel’s show would only be suspended for “a short amount of time,” then brought back.
Read more from Katie Hawkinson:
Joe Rogan sounds off on Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV after Charlie Kirk suspension
Watch: Comedian Jon Stewart reacts to Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night TV
07:30 , Rachel DobkinMost of Americans say it's unacceptable for feds to pressure broadcasters to axe shows they disagree with
07:00 , Rachel DobkinA majority of Americans said in a recent poll that it's unacceptable for the government to pressure broadcasters to remove shows it disagrees with.
The Economist/YouGov poll found 68 percent of Americans do not think it’s acceptable for the feds to pressure broadcasters to remove shows that include speech they disagree with.
Last week, ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel off the air after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pressured broadcasters to “take action” against the comedian for comments he made in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Amid Jimmy Kimmel suspension fallout Disney+ is getting more expensive. Here are the new monthly costs
06:30 , Rachel DobkinDisney has announced that the cost of some of its various streaming service bundles will be increasing, as controversy around the brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, Live! continues.
The company revealed that from October 21, the price of various packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will be going up.
According to the Disney+ website, the price of standalone Disney+ with ads service is rising from $9.99 to $11.99 per month, while the Disney+ Premium – without ads – is rising from $15.99 to $18.99 per month.
The Hulu standalone plan with ads is increasing from $9.99 to $11.99/month as of the same date; the premium version of Hulu with no ads will remain at $18.99 per month.
Mike Bedigan breaks down the costs of Disney+ bundles as well. Read on...
Amid Kimmel suspension fallout Disney+ prices are going up. Here are the new costs
Watch: Robert De Niro makes surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel
06:00 , Rachel DobkinIn pictures: Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night TV
05:50 , Rachel Dobkin
Which stars appeared on Jimmy Kimmel's show?
05:40 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night was a star-studded event.
Singer Sarah McLachlan and actor Glen Powell joined Kimmel on stage as scheduled.
But there was also a surprise virtual appearance from Goodfellas actor Robert De Niro in a skit mocking FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had pressured broadcasters to “take action” against the comedian.
Powell promoted his comedy series Chad Powers, which premieres on Hulu on September 30.
Last Sunday, McLachlan was supposed to perform with other artists at the premiere of Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story, an ABC News Studios docuseries about the women’s music festival she co-founded.
But the performances were canceled “to stand in solidarity in support of free speech,” McLachlan said, per Variety.
What to know about Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night
05:30 , Rachel Dobkin- Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after ABC suspended his show last week following comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- Some local ABC stations in several states did not air the episode after the owners of those stations, Nexstar and Sinclair, boycotted the show.
- Kimmel opened his show to a standing ovation as the audience chanted, “Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy.”
- The comedian got choked up as he addressed his previous comments on Kirk, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
- Goodfellas actor Robert De Niro made a surprise appearance on Kimmel in a skit mocking FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had pressured broadcasters to “take action” against the comedian.
Watch: Jimmy Kimmel Chokes Up As He Returns To Live Show
05:19 , Rachel DobkinRobert De Niro makes surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel
05:13 , Rachel DobkinGoodfellas actor Robert De Niro made a surprise appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s show Tuesday night in a skit mocking FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
Last week, ABC temporarily suspended Kimmel’s show shortly after Carr pressured broadcasters to “take action” against the comedian for comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Carr told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way” — a statement Republican Senator Ted Cruz said was “ right out of Goodfellas.”
“ Pardon me for saying so, and maybe you're the wrong guy to talk to, but it seems like the FCC is using mob tactics to suppress free speech,” Kimmel told De Niro.
Niro responded: “ What the f*** did you say to me?”
Full story: Jimmy Kimmel chokes up as he returns to live show
04:59 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel became audibly emotional as he returned to air Tuesday night, assuring his audience that it was “never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
The late-night talk-show host was greeted by two lengthy standing ovations as he kicked off his show, and thanked his fans, friends and even others on the other side of the political aisle.
“If you like me, like me, if you don't, you don't. I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind,” he said, appearing to break down as he added: “But I do want to make something clear, because it's important to me as a human and that is, you understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump threatened to “test ABC” after the broadcaster allowed Kimmel to return. “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump fumed on Truth Social prior to the show’s airing. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Read more from Mike Bedigan:
Kimmel says it was ‘never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man’
Jimmy Kimmel opens late-night show to standing ovation
04:47 , Rachel DobkinJimmel Kimmel opened his late-night show to a standing ovation Tuesday night.
The audience chanted, “Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy” as they clapped for the comedian who returned to ABC after having his show suspended last week.
“I’m happy to be here tonight,” Kimmel said.
CNN analyst says Jimmy Kimmel should make his monologue 'about the public'
04:25 , Rachel DobkinCNN Media Analyst Brian Stelter has said Jimmy Kimmel should make his opening monologue on tonight’s show “less about Jimmy Kimmel and more about the public.”
“If I were Jimmy Kimmel, if I were his writers, I would think about what to say to the viewers to make this less about Jimmy Kimmel and more about the public,” he told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins Tuesday night.
Stelter continued: “What's important about what's happened in last week and the uproar across the country, the groundswell of attention, all of the criticism of ABC's move, all of the boycott talks, all of it. What's important is about average Americans having free speech rights, average Americans not feeling chilled or intimidated during this period in American history.”
There was a massive public outcry after ABC suspended Kimmel’s show last week following comments the comedian made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Full story: Trump threatens to ‘test ABC’ as Jimmy Kimmel broadcast returns: ‘A true bunch of losers!’
04:16 , Rachel DobkinDonald Trump threatened to “test ABC” after the broadcaster allowed Jimmy Kimmel to return to air, just less than a week after his late-night show was suspended indefinitely.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump fumed on Truth Social Tuesday night. “The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
Contrary to the president’s claim, Jimmy Kimmel, Live! was never officially cancelled by ABC or Disney executives. The brief suspension came following remarks made by Kimmel about the death of Charlie Kirk during his monologue last Monday.
The network announced yesterday that the show would be returning at its normal scheduled time Tuesday.
Read more from Mike Bedigan:
Trump threatens to ‘test ABC’ as Jimmy Kimmel broadcast return
Jimmy Kimmel fans share excitement for show's return
04:00 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel’s fans shared their excitement for the late-night show’s return on Tuesday.
The show’s Instagram account posted a photo of Kimmel and comedian Guillermo Rodriguez and captioned it, “We are back full of love.”
Fans flocked to the comment section to join the love fest.
“THIS is what it’s all about. Somewhere along the way, America lost the plot. Cheers to bringing us back together — somehow,” Emmy-winning producer Tony Morrison commented.
Cookbook author Alfredo Garcia said, “Cannot wait for tonight’s episode!!!!!”
“Let's make this the most watched show of all time -- including Superbowls!” one fan wrote.
Trump threatens ABC as Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night TV
03:53 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has threatened ABC as Jimmy Kimmel returns to late-night television.
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday night. “He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.”
The president continued: “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars.”
Trump was referring to a settlement ABC News agreed to in a defamation lawsuit over comments anchor George Stephanopoulos made on air about writer E. Jean Carroll’s own two lawsuits against the president.
Read Trump’s full Truth Social post:
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
More Americans disapproved than approved of Jimmy Kimmel being taken off the air
03:25 , Rachel DobkinMore Americans disapproved than approved of Jimmy Kimmel being taken off the air, according to a recent The Economist/YouGov poll.
A total of 48 percent of Americans strongly or somewhat disapproved of ABC’s decision to suspend the comedian’s late-night show, while 36 percent strongly or somewhat approved.
Kimmel’s show will return to ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET tonight.
Scene outside Jimmy Kimmel's studio was 'bubbly'
03:00 , Rachel DobkinCNN Correspondent Stephanie Elam described the scene outside Jimmy Kimmel’s Los Angeles studio as “bubbly” ahead of his return to late-night TV.
How to watch Jimmy Kimmel tonight
02:45 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel’s show will air on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET tonight.
While some local stations in several states will not air the episode due to major broadcasting companies, Nexstar and Sinclair, boycotting the show, viewers can stream the show on Hulu and Disney+.
You can also catch the show’s highlights on YouTube.
In pictures: Outside the Jimmy Kimmel studio ahead of comedian's return
02:25 , Rachel DobkinHere are some photos of the scene outside Jimmy Kimmel’s Los Angeles studio Tuesday ahead of the comedian’s return to late-night TV.
CNN correspondent says ABC will air Jimmy Kimmel's show 'with or without Nexstar & Sinclair'
02:00 , Rachel DobkinElizabeth Wagmeister, CNN entertainment correspondent, has said her sources tell her ABC will air Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show “with or without Nexstar & Sinclair.”
Both Sinclair and Nexstar will not be airing Jimmy Kimmel's show tonight.
— Elizabeth Wagmeister (@EWagmeister) September 23, 2025
My sources say ABC is committed to airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live" with or without Nexstar & Sinclair -- though conversations of course will remain ongoing in hopes of reaching a resolution.
Nexstar &… pic.twitter.com/ux1BEGUaI1
The TV station owners have refused to air Kimmel’s show, even after Disney announced the show would return after it was suspended following comments the comedian made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Letitia James celebrates Jimmy Kimmel's return
01:35 , Rachel DobkinNew York Attorney General Letitia James, who is currently challenging the Trump administration with multiple lawsuits, has celebrated Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night TV.
When we stand up and fight for freedom of speech and our democracy, we win.https://t.co/InHZrelJqa
— NY AG James (@NewYorkStateAG) September 23, 2025
What is Jimmy Kimmel's favorability rating among Americans?
01:10 , Rachel DobkinMore Americans had a favorable than an unfavorable opinion of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
A recent The Economist/YouGov poll found 43 percent of Americans view Kimmel favorably, while 37 percent view him unfavorably.
CNN analyst says Jimmy Kimmel is 'at the peak of his powers'
01:00 , Rachel DobkinCNN Media Analyst Brian Stelter has said Jimmy Kimmel is “at the peak of his powers” with his anticipated return to late-night TV.
Jimmy Kimmel is at the peak of his powers right now — with ABC very publicly backing him up by resuming his show pic.twitter.com/OUDpMlufQJ
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 23, 2025
Senator gives credit for Jimmy Kimmel's return to people who 'got loud about censorship'
Wednesday 24 September 2025 00:41 , Rachel DobkinSenator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, has given credit for Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night TV to people who “got loud about censorship.”
Make no mistake: Jimmy Kimmel will be back on the air because people across the country got loud about censorship.
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) September 23, 2025
Disney isn’t the hero here—people of strong conscience are.
Never forget the power of your voice, especially as Trump pushes us further into authoritarianism.
There was a public outcry after ABC temporarily suspended Kimmel’s show following comments he made about the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Critics accused the Trump administration of violating free speech after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr pressured broadcasters to “take action” against Kimmel.
Jimmy Kimmel's guests revealed
Wednesday 24 September 2025 00:00 , Rachel DobkinFor Jimmy Kimmel’s first show Tuesday night, after his show got suspended last week, he will be joined by singer Sarah McLachlan and actor Glen Powell, per Variety.
Powell is promoting his comedy series Chad Powers, which premieres on Hulu on September 30.
McLachlan was supposed to perform with other artists at the premiere of Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story, an ABC News Studios docuseries about the women’s music festival she co-founded.
But the performances were canceled “to stand in solidarity in support of free speech,” McLachlan said.
Dennis Quaid says there are 'consequences' to free speech
Tuesday 23 September 2025 23:30 , Rachel DobkinActor Dennis Quaid, who vocally supported Trump in the 2024 election cycle, said there are “consequences” to free speech, reacting to ABC’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s show after comments the comedian made about the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“You have the right to free speech, and he certainly had the right to do that,” Quaid said on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Tuesday. “I would definitely give him that. But there are consequences that come with it, and you have to accept those if you’re going to speak freely like that.”
Last week, Kimmel suggested Kirk’s suspected assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was “MAGA.” Officials have said Robinson subscribed to “leftist” ideology.
After public outcry, Disney announced it was bringing Kimmel’s show back on Tuesday.
Journalist Keith Olbermann questions whether ABC can offer Jimmy Kimmel show to Sinclair rivals
Tuesday 23 September 2025 23:15 , Rachel DobkinJournalist Keith Olbermann has questioned whether ABC can offer Jimmy Kimmel’s show to Sinclair’s rivals after the broadcast company announced it would continue not to air the late-night program.
So @WeAreSinclair is your affiliate deal with ABC like the standard deals when I was in local TV?
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) September 23, 2025
If you choose NOT to air any ABC show, ABC gets to offer it to another station in your market(s)? In other words you just gave a network show to one of your rivals in 86 markets? pic.twitter.com/lHylEdQPX8
According to a recent press release, Sinclair owns, operates and/or provides services to 178 TV stations in 81 markets affiliated with all major broadcast networks. It’s the nation’s largest ABC affiliate group.
Elizabeth Warren says Nexstar pulling Jimmy Kimmel 'reeks of corruption'
Tuesday 23 September 2025 23:00 , Rachel DobkinSenator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, has said Nexstar’s decision to keep Jimmy Kimmel’s show off its ABC-affiliate stations “reeks of corruption.”
Nexstar, the largest TV broadcaster, needs Donald Trump's approval for a $6 billion deal.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) September 23, 2025
If approved, Nexstar would control TV stations reaching 80% of households — violating the cap set by Congress to protect against monopolies.
This censorship of Kimmel reeks of corruption. pic.twitter.com/921KzcG274
Watch: Late-night comedians react to Kimmel show suspension
Tuesday 23 September 2025 22:45 , Rachel DobkinWhen ABC decided to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show last week, his fellow comedians came to his side.
Full list of ABC stations that won't carry Jimmy Kimmel's show
Tuesday 23 September 2025 22:30 , Rachel DobkinDisney announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return Tuesday, but Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have refused to air the late-night show on its ABC-affiliated stations.
Here is a list of ABC stations by state that are owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, as reported by The Wrap:
- Alabama — Bessemer (WDBB)
- Alabama — Birmingham (WABM and ABC 33/40)
- Alabama — Dothan (WDHN)
- Alabama — Mobile (WEAR-TV)
- Alabama — Tuscaloosa (WDBB)
- Arkansas — Little Rock (KATV)
- California — Arcata (KAEF-TV)
- California — Chico (KRCR-TV)
- California — Eureka (KAEF-TV)
- California — Redding (KRCR-TV)
- Connecticut — Hartford (WTNH)
- Connecticut — New Haven (WTNH)
- Florida — Fort Walton Beach (WEAR-TV)
- Florida — Panama City (WMBB)
- Florida — Pensacola (WEAR-TV)
- Georgia — Augusta (WJBF)
- Georgia — Macon (WGXA)
- Illinois — Rockford (WTVO)
- Indiana — Evansville (WEHT)
- Indiana — Terre Haute (WAWV-TV)
- Iowa — Sioux City (KCAU-TV)
- Kansas — Pittsburg (KODE-TV)
- Kansas — Topeka (KTKA-TV)
- Kentucky — Henderson (WEHT)
- Kentucky — Owensboro (WEHT)
- Louisiana — New Orleans (WGNO)
- Michigan — Battle Creek (WOTV)
- Michigan — Cadillac (WGTU)
- Michigan — Cheboygan (WTOM-TV)
- Michigan — Grand Rapids (WOTV)
- Michigan — Jackson (WLAJ)
- Michigan — Kalamazoo (WOTV)
- Michigan — Lansing (WLAJ)
- Michigan — Sault Ste. Marie (WGTQ)
- Michigan — Traverse City (WGTU)
- Missouri — Joplin (KODE-TV)
- Missouri — St. Louis (KDNL-TV)
- Montana — Billings (KSVI)
- Nebraska — Grand Island (NTV)
- Nebraska — Hastings (NTV)
- Nebraska — Hayes Center (NTV)
- Nebraska — Kearney (NTV)
- Nebraska — McCook (NTV)
- Nebraska — North Platte (NTV, KHGI-CD)
- New Mexico — Clovis (KVIH-TV)
- New York — Albany (WTEN)
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- New York — Plattsburgh (WVNY)
- New York — Rochester (WHAM-TV)
- New York — Rome (WUTR)
- New York — Schenectady (WTEN)
- New York — Syracuse (WSYR-TV)
- New York — Troy (WTEN)
- New York — Utica (WUTR)
- New York — Watertown (WWTI)
- North Carolina — Asheville (WLOS)
- North Carolina — Greensboro (WXLV-TV)
- North Carolina — Greenville (WCTI-TV)
- North Carolina — High Point (WXLV-TV)
- North Carolina — Jacksonville (WCTI-TV)
- North Carolina — Lumberton (WPDE-TV)
- North Carolina — New Bern (WCTI-TV)
- North Carolina — Washington (WCTI-TV)
- North Carolina — Winston-Salem (WXLV-TV)
- Ohio — Columbus (WSYX)
- Ohio — Dayton (WKEF)
- Ohio — Youngstown (WYTV)
- Oklahoma — Tulsa (KTUL)
- Oregon — Portland (KATU)
- Oregon — Salem (KATU)
- Pennsylvania — Altoona (WATM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — Erie (WJET-TV)
- Pennsylvania — Harrisburg (WHTM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — Johnstown (WATM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — Lancaster (WHTM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — Lebanon (WHTM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — State College (WATM-TV)
- Pennsylvania — York (WHTM-TV)
- South Carolina — Anderson (WLOS)
- South Carolina — Charleston (WCIV)
- South Carolina — Florence (WPDE-TV)
- South Carolina — Greenville (WLOS)
- South Carolina — Myrtle Beach (WPDE-TV)
- South Carolina — Spartanburg (WLOS)
- Tennessee — Bristol (WJHL-TV)
- Tennessee — Chattanooga (WTVC)
- Tennessee — Johnson City (WJHL-TV)
- Tennessee — Kingsport (WJHL-TV)
- Tennessee — Knoxville (WATE-TV)
- Tennessee — Nashville (WKRN-TV)
- Texas — Abilene (KTXS-TV)
- Texas — Amarillo (KVII-TV)
- Texas — Lubbock (KAMC)
- Texas — Midland (KMID)
- Texas — Odessa (KMID)
- Texas — San Angelo (KTXE-LD)
- Texas — Sweetwater (KTXS-TV)
- Utah — Salt Lake City (KTVX)
- Vermont — Burlington (WVNY)
- Virginia — Bristol (WJHL-TV)
- Virginia — Lynchburg (WSET-TV)
- Virginia — Petersburg (WRIC-TV)
- Virginia — Richmond (WRIC-TV)
- Virginia — Roanoke (WSET-TV)
- Washington, D.C. — (WJLA-TV)
- Washington — Seattle (KOMO-TV)
- Washington — Tacoma (KOMO-TV)
- Washington — Vancouver (KATU)
- West Virginia — Charleston (WCHS-TV)
- West Virginia — Clarksburg (WBOY-TV)
- West Virginia — Fairmont (WBOY-TV)
- West Virginia — Huntington (WCHS-TV)
- West Virginia — Morgantown (WBOY-TV)
- West Virginia — Parkersburg (WCHS-TV)
Jimmy Kimmel: 'We are back full of love'
Tuesday 23 September 2025 22:15 , Rachel DobkinThe Instagram account for Jimmy Kimmel Live! shared a photo Tuesday afternoon of the late-night comedian embracing show favorite, Guillermo.
“We are back full of love,” the post read.
Jimmy Kimmel Live won’t air in several states as Nexstar joins Sinclair boycott
Tuesday 23 September 2025 22:00 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel may have been reinstated by ABC following a short-lived suspension, but the late night talk show will remain unavailable on some local networks as Nexstar Media joins Sinclair Inc in continuing to boycott the show.
Sinclair announced Monday that it would continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its affiliate networks over the host’s controversial Charlie Kirk comments.
“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” the company shared on social media.
“Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”
On Tuesday, Nexstar indicated their intention to do the same, saying in a statement: “We made a decision last week to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ‘ill-timed and insensitive’ comments at a critical time in our national discourse.
“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”
Read more from Tom Murray and Kevin E G Perry:
Jimmy Kimmel Live won’t air in several states as Nexstar joins Sinclair boycott
Full story: Jimmy Kimmel breaks social media silence with photo of First Amendment champion Norman Lear ahead of late-night return
Tuesday 23 September 2025 21:45 , Rachel DobkinJimmy Kimmel has returned to social media for the first time since his late night show was taken off the air under controversial circumstances.
The host, 57, posted a photograph of himself with the late television writer Norman Lear, captioning the image: “Missing this guy today.”
The Instagram post serves as a tribute to the All In The Family creator, who died in December 2023 at the age of 101.
It could also be seen as a pointed message to Kimmel’s critics. Lear was an outspoken liberal activist who vocally defended the First Amendment, which enshrines the right to freedom of speech. He founded the progressive advocacy organization People for the American Way.
Kevin E G Perry goes in depth about the massive debate over free speech that Kimmel’s show suspension stirred:
Jimmy Kimmel breaks silence with photo of First Amendment champion ahead of return
Live coverage has begun
Tuesday 23 September 2025 21:30 , Rachel DobkinGood afternoon,
Tonight, we will cover Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night TV.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely last week after comments the host made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
After an outcry over what critics of ABC’s decision called a violation of free speech, Disney, ABC’s parent company, announced Monday Kimmel’s show would return Tuesday.
Follow along to find out how Kimmel will address the recent controversy.
