Jimmy Kimmel To Be Back On Air But Still Face Partial Boycott

Jimmy Kimmel To Return To Air Despite Partial Boycott From Stations

Disney confirmed the return of the show following "thoughtful conversations" with Jimmy Kimmel.

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night program will resume broadcasting in the United States on Tuesday after a one-week suspension following governmental pressure on networks that many critics described as an infringement on freedom of expression—though not all stations will carry it.

Several companies owning numerous local ABC affiliates across the nation have announced they will maintain their boycott of the show.

Viewers are particularly interested in the comedian's opening monologue, where he is expected to address his suspension, which occurred after remarks he made following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

"We decided to suspend production on the show to prevent further escalation of an already tense situation during an emotionally charged time for our country," stated Disney, ABC's parent company, on Monday.

"It was a decision we reached because we believed certain comments were poorly timed and therefore insensitive."

The company explained they were bringing the show back after engaging in "thoughtful conversations with Jimmy."

Actor Glen Powell and singer Sarah McLachlan are scheduled to appear as guests on Tuesday's broadcast.

Kimmel, known for routinely mocking President Donald Trump and his close associates, angered conservatives when he suggested "the MAGA gang" was attempting to use Kirk's murder on a college campus for political advantage.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr subsequently appeared to threaten the licenses of ABC affiliates airing the show unless they demanded Kimmel's removal—a call that Trump himself has repeatedly made.

Two major companies owning numerous affiliates—Nexstar and Sinclair—then announced the removal of the show from their programming schedules, prompting Disney to suspend the program nationwide.

Sinclair—which last week demanded that Kimmel apologize to Kirk's family and make a donation to his right-wing organization Turning Point USA—confirmed Monday its affiliates would not broadcast the show upon its return.

On Tuesday, Nexstar made a similar announcement.

"We decided last week to preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'... We maintain this position pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve," the company stated.

Kimmel's sudden removal from television sparked outrage among liberals, with supporters claiming he was targeted for his criticism of Trump.

Critics viewed it as the latest development in growing governmental control over free expression, which many Americans consider both a fundamental belief and a constitutionally protected right.

Some conservatives also expressed discomfort with the situation, including figures typically aligned with Trump, such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and controversial broadcaster Tucker Carlson.

Trump has frequently complained about negative media coverage, and recently suggested such coverage was "illegal."

Kimmel has not made any public statements regarding the incident, but on Tuesday shared a photo on Instagram featuring himself with late producer Norman Lear—known for his free speech advocacy—with the caption: "Missing this guy today."

Lear passed away in December 2023 at age 101.