Jimmy Kimmel returns: ABC show resumes Tuesday after controversial comments spark suspension

Jimmy Kimmel returns

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show isn’t gone for good. On Monday, Sept. 22, the Walt Disney Company announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 23, just six days after the network pulled the show indefinitely.

In a statement, Disney explained, "Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive."

The comments in question came from Jimmy Kimmel’s Sept. 15 episode, when he addressed the assassination of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA.

What Sparked the Suspension

During the episode, Jimmy Kimmel criticized those trying to politicize Kirk’s death, while offering condolences to Kirk’s family and victims of gun violence. “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” Jimmy Kimmel wrote on social media.

Despite Kimmel’s intent, ABC and local station owner Nexstar Media decided to preempt the show. ABC cited that his comments were “offensive and insensitive” and “do not reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities.” Nexstar also halted broadcasts of the show across its 200+ stations.

The suspension coincided with political tensions, including FCC Chair Brendan Carr praising Nexstar for pushing back against programming that “falls short of community values,” and former President Donald Trump applauding the temporary removal of the show on Truth Social.

Back on the Air

After “thoughtful conversations” with Jimmy Kimmel, Disney reversed the suspension. The network said discussions over the past days led to the decision to bring the show back on Sept. 23.

Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the show since 2003 and has a contract extending through 2026, joked in a 2024 interview that each time he thinks his show may end, it keeps going.

Fans can expect Jimmy Kimmel Live! to return with its mix of celebrity interviews, political commentary, and signature humor, picking up where it left off amid one of the most controversial moments in late-night television history.

Also read: Jimmy Kimmel suspension sparks outrage: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep among 400 stars sign protest letter

FAQs

Q1: When will Jimmy Kimmel Live! return?

The show will return to ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025.

Q2: Why was the show pulled originally?

ABC and Nexstar cited Jimmy Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination as “ill-timed and insensitive,” leading to an indefinite suspension.

Q3: How long has Jimmy Kimmel hosted the show?

Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, with a contract extending through 2026.