The drama surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s return to television has taken yet another unexpected turn.
Disney recently announced that the late-night host would be making a major comeback — but now, several ABC affiliates across the country are refusing to air his show.
Celebrity Reactions and Controversy
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sent shockwaves throughout the U.S., affecting the public, politicians, and major TV networks alike. Kimmel’s late-night talk show faced abrupt suspension following backlash over his remarks about Kirk’s death, which also touched on Donald Trump’s response to the tragedy.
ABC responded by suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. The move sparked a heated debate: some supported the decision, while many celebrities criticized it as an attack on free speech.
On September 22, Disney — the parent company of ABC — announced that Kimmel would return to air. In a statement, the company 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. We felt some comments were ill-timed and insensitive. Over the past few days, we’ve had thoughtful discussions with Jimmy and have decided the show will return on Tuesday.”
Sinclair Affiliates Push Back
However, the comeback isn’t going smoothly. Sinclair Inc., which operates many local ABC affiliates and is known for its conservative stance, has decided not to air Kimmel’s show in nearly 40 major markets, replacing it with local news coverage instead. The company has previously faced criticism for programming choices that appear politically motivated.
Sinclair released a statement:
“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”
Three Conditions for Return
A preemption occurs when local affiliates replace national programming with their own content. Sinclair clarified that Kimmel’s show will not return to their airwaves until several conditions are met. These include:
Formal discussions with ABC about the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
A direct apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family.
A meaningful personal donation from Kimmel to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.
“Regardless of ABC’s plans for the program, Sinclair will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform,” the company added.
For now, Kimmel’s highly anticipated return remains in limbo, leaving late-night audiences uncertain whether the host will ever reappear on their screens.