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By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
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Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday night after a six-day suspension that sparked national debate over free speech, media pressure, and political influence.
In an emotional monologue, Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his comments on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, clarified his intent, and thanked both supporters and critics who defended his right to speak.
But conservative voices criticized Kimmel, saying he did not offer a full apology.
What to Know:
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumed Tuesday after a suspension tied to political commentary.
- ABC’s decision to pause the show drew criticism and support, including praise from President Donald Trump.
- Sinclair and Nexstar, which own dozens of ABC affiliates, continue to block the show from airing locally.
- Kimmel opened the show with news clips reacting to his suspension, and he thanked fellow hosts and far-right figures for defending free speech.
- He said, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man," and he clarified that he did not mean to blame any group for Kirk’s death.
- Kimmel described the shooter as “a sick person” and called for compassion.
- Trump wrote about the return prior to it airing: "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."
- Viewers without cable can stream via Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and DirecTV, many of which offer free trials.
- VPNs may help bypass local restrictions for access to national ABC streams.
- The show’s return comes amid broader uncertainty for late-night TV, as CBS will end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next spring.
This live blog is now closed.
Sep 24, 2025 at 03:06 AM EDT
Conservatives see no apology from Jimmy Kimmel
Dana Loesch, the Trump-supporting voice of gun rights activism, was not impressed by Jimmy Kimmel's return.
"No apology. He wasn’t making a joke. He outright lied about the killer because he hated the politics of the victim. Jimmy Kimmel can pound sand," Loesch posted to X.
"I hope ABC continues to hemorrhage money on this barely-scraping-a-4-share loser."
Jack Posobiec, a right-wing activist and friend of Kirk's, wrote on X: "In typical leftist fashion, Jimmy makes the victim himself...There was no apology."
Mollie Hemingway, editor at conservative website The Federalist, posted to X: "No semblance of an apology. Fake tears. A transparent attempt to deny and obfuscate assassin’s political motivation."
Sep 24, 2025 at 02:00 AM EDT
Suspect in ABC Sacramento shooting may have been motivated by Kimmel suspension
Authorities in Sacramento say the man accused of firing shots at ABC affiliate KXTV last week may have been politically motivated, citing the network’s recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a possible factor. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said there is “circumstantial evidence” suggesting Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, targeted the station in response to ABC’s decision to pull Kimmel off the air.
The shooting occurred on September 19, days after Kimmel’s remarks about the political fallout surrounding the death of activist Charlie Kirk. No injuries were reported, but bullet holes were found in the station’s windows. A search of Hernandez Santana’s vehicle revealed handwritten notes referencing federal officials and political grievances.
Hernandez Santana, a former lobbyist, faces both state and federal charges, including firearms violations and interference with radio communications. His arraignment was postponed, and a detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Kimmel returned to air last night, following a week-long suspension that sparked national debate over free speech and media pressure.
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Sep 24, 2025 at 01:30 AM EDT
Will Kimmel stay on the air?
Jimmy Kimmel may be back on ABC tonight, but not all viewers saw him return. Nexstar and Sinclair, which control dozens of ABC affiliates, continue to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! with alternate programming despite the network’s decision to reinstate the show.
Kimmel has hosted the late-night staple since 2003, but his current contract with ABC is set to expire in May 2026. With affiliate resistance and political tensions still simmering, the show's future—and its distribution—remain uncertain.
Sep 24, 2025 at 01:00 AM EDT
‘The First Amendment is not for sale’: Sen. Warren
Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on Monday that Jimmy Kimmel's reinstatement showed everyone who had spoken up against his suspension that their voice mattered.
"For everyone who spoke up and said Trump's censorship of Kimmel is wrong, your voice mattered," the Democratic senator wrote on X.
But Sen. Warren warned that the "fight isn't over."
"Trump won't stop corruptly pressuring media companies. CEOs must not bend the knee to secure mergers and regulatory favors. The First Amendment is not for sale," she added.
Sep 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM EDT
Disney stars joined Disney boycott ahead of Kimmel being reinstated
Backlash over Jimmy Kimmel Live!'s brief suspension rippled through Hollywood before the show was reinstated on Monday. Disney-affiliated stars, including Tatiana Maslany and Marisa Tomei, urged fans to cancel subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN in protest of the company’s decision to pull Kimmel off the air last week.
The suspension followed Kimmel’s remarks about the political response to the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, prompting criticism from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and praise from President Donald Trump. ABC’s move sparked widespread condemnation from industry guilds, including SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, both of which defended Kimmel’s right to free expression.
Sep 24, 2025 at 12:11 AM EDT
‘He might have to release the Epstein Files to distract us from this now’: Kimmel
Sep 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM EDT
Guillermo Rodriguez shares support for Kimmel in emotional tribute
As Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to air, longtime sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez offered a heartfelt message of solidarity.
“This world needs more people like Jimmy Kimmel,” he said, adding, “I stand with you. And I love you.”
Sep 24, 2025 at 12:00 AM EDT
Could Jimmy Kimmel sue Donald Trump after being ‘canceled’? What to know
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ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked questions about whether the late-night host could pursue legal action, particularly against President Donald Trump and federal regulators.
In criticizing how some Republicans reacted to Charlie Kirk's death, Jimmy Kimmel alleged that conservatives were using Kirk's assassination for political advantage rather than mourning the conservative activist sincerely. Trump said Kimmel had said "a horrible thing" about Kirk and praised ABC's decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air.
The dispute cuts to the heart of how far government officials can pressure media outlets without violating the First Amendment. If regulators can threaten broadcasters' licenses to influence programming decisions, critics warn it could chill not only comedians but also journalists, academics and other public voices from speaking freely.
The outcome could set an important precedent for media independence and democratic norms in an era of escalating political polarization.
Read the full story by Robert Alexander on Newsweek.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:54 PM EDT
Kimmel moved by Erika Kirk’s forgiveness in emotional moment
During his return to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel grew emotional while reflecting on Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness of the man who fatally shot her husband, conservative activist Charlie Kirk. “That is the example we should follow,” Kimmel said, pausing as he acknowledged how deeply her grace had affected him.
“It touched me deeply,” he added. “If there’s anything that we should take from this tragedy moving forward, it should be this.” With those words, Kimmel transitioned to a commercial break.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:52 PM EDT
Kimmel fires back at Trump, jokes about ratings and Disney return
Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back during his return to late-night Tuesday, responding directly to President Donald Trump’s attack, calling him a “whack job” with “no ratings.”
“Well, I do tonight,” Kimmel quipped, adding that Trump’s attempt to cancel him only drove millions to tune in.
Kimmel acknowledged his frustration over being pulled off the air, but thanked Disney for ultimately reinstating him. He joked that the only condition for his return was reading a statement encouraging viewers to reactivate their Disney+ and Hulu accounts.
Addressing Trump’s criticism more seriously, Kimmel said, “The president of the United States made it very clear that he wanted to see us lose our jobs... because he can’t take a joke.”
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:45 PM EDT
Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Kimmel confusion amid suspension drama
During his own show’s opening, Jimmy Fallon joked about the buzz surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, telling viewers, “If you’re tuning in to see what I’ll say about my suspension the last couple days, again, you’re watching the wrong Jimmy, Dad—the other Jimmy, Dad.”
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:44 PM EDT
Kimmel gets emotional in return, defends free speech and clarifies remarks
Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night, with a heartfelt monologue that addressed the controversy surrounding his recent suspension. Fighting back tears, the late-night host thanked not only his fans but also those who don’t support his show yet, who stood up for his right to speak freely.
“I want to thank the people who don’t support my show but do support the right to free speech,” Kimmel said, acknowledging the unexpected voices who defended him during the backlash.
In a surprising moment, Kimmel thanked Senator Ted Cruz for defending his reinstatement. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Ted Cruz is right,” he joked, before turning serious: “Our government cannot be in control of what we do and do not say.”
Kimmel clarified his earlier remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying it was never his intention to make light of the tragedy or to blame any specific group. “It was the opposite of the point I was trying to make,” he said. “I get why people were upset.”
He described the shooter as “a sick person” and spoke candidly about the threats he receives for expressing his views. “I know those threats don’t come from the people on the right who I know and love,” he added.
He added: “This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have shows like this.”
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:39 PM EDT
‘I’m happy to be here tonight with you’
Jimmy Kimmel kicked off his return to late-night with a sharp monologue, joking that he was “preempting” a rerun of Family Feud for a “special report.”
He reflected on the whirlwind week, saying he’d heard from “all of the people in the world,” including “the guy who fired me from my first radio job in Seattle—where we are not airing tonight.”
Kimmel thanked viewers who reached out and gave a nod to fellow late-night hosts for their support during his suspension.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:36 PM EDT
Kimmel is back with a montage of coverage on his return
Jimmy Kimmel Live! started with a montage of news coverage about Kimmel's return to TV.
Kimmel walked onto the stage to a roar of applause from his studio audience and chants of his name.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:32 PM EDT
Hollywood rallies behind Jimmy Kimmel in ACLU-led free speech defense
More than 400 Hollywood figures have signed an open letter condemning Disney’s suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! as a threat to free speech. Released by the American Civil Liberties Union, the letter calls the network’s decision a “dark moment” for constitutional rights and warns against government pressure on artists and media companies.
Signatories include Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others. The letter follows ABC’s move to pull Kimmel’s show after his remarks about the political reaction to activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The suspension came hours after FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel and suggested regulatory consequences.
The controversy has sparked boycotts, subscription cancellations, and mounting calls for Disney to reverse course. Damon Lindelof and Tatiana Maslany are among those urging fans to cut ties with Disney platforms. Pedro Pascal also voiced support for Kimmel, posting “Defend #FreeSpeech” on Instagram.
While ABC has since reinstated the show, many affiliates—particularly those owned by Nexstar and Sinclair—continue to block its broadcast, keeping the debate alive across political and entertainment circles.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:25 PM EDT
Kimmel’s return could spark ratings surge despite affiliate blackout
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night comeback tonight may be blocked by more than 70 ABC affiliates, but the host is still poised for a ratings rebound. After nearly a week of silence following his suspension by Disney, Kimmel is expected to address the controversy head-on—an event that’s drawn national attention and ignited a free speech debate.
Though Jimmy Kimmel Live! has seen declining viewership in recent years—averaging 1.77 million viewers in Q2 2025, down from 2.4 million a decade ago—the backlash surrounding his suspension has made him one of the most talked-about figures in Hollywood. Protests, subscription cancellations, and an ACLU-backed letter signed by over 400 celebrities have amplified the moment.
If even a portion of that engaged audience tunes in, Kimmel could see a ratings spike similar to the surge The Late Show with Stephen Colbert experienced after its cancellation announcement, when viewership jumped to over 3 million per night.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:22 PM EDT
Who are the guests attending Jimmy Kimmel’s first show back on air
Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback episode kicks off with Twisters star Glen Powell as the first guest, marking the late-night host’s return after a week-long suspension. Powell will discuss his leading role in the upcoming comedy series Chad Powers, based on the viral alter ego created by NFL quarterback Eli Manning.
Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan joins as the musical guest, performing from her newly released album Better Broken, which debuted on September 19.
ABC also confirmed additional guests for the week, including actor Ethan Hawke and NFL legend Peyton Manning, as Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumes its regular schedule amid ongoing controversy.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:19 PM EDT
Audience member calls tonight’s show ‘unforgettable’
As Jimmy Kimmel Live! recorded his return to the air, one studio audience member took to social media to share his excitement. Michael Schwartz (@BoatAshore) described the experience as “one of the most electrifying and unforgettable” of his life, urging followers to tune in for what he called a “🔥” opening monologue.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:13 PM EDT
Guillermo Rodriguez shares heartfelt post ahead of Kimmel’s return
As Jimmy Kimmel Live! prepared to return to air tonight, longtime sidekick and fan favorite Guillermo Rodriguez marked the moment with a brief but touching Instagram post earlier today, captioned, "We are back full of love."
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https://www.instagram.com/p/DO9LkGOAUVT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:06 PM EDT
Democratic senators launch inquiry into Kimmel blackout by Nexstar and Sinclair
Four Democratic senators have opened an investigation into Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group over their refusal to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on dozens of ABC affiliates. In a letter obtained by NBC News, the lawmakers questioned whether the decision to preempt the late-night show was influenced by pending regulatory matters involving the Trump administration.
The letter, signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Ed Markey, and Chris Van Hollen, warns that if the blackout was politically motivated, it could raise serious First Amendment and anti-corruption concerns. “You have not only assisted the administration in eroding First Amendment freedoms,” the senators wrote, “but also create the appearance of a possible quid-pro-quo arrangement.”
The inquiry targets Perry Sook, chairman of Nexstar, and Christopher Ripley, CEO of Sinclair, whose companies collectively control nearly 70 ABC stations nationwide.
Sep 23, 2025 at 11:01 PM EDT
ABC airs teaser of ‘Live!’ monologue
Ahead of Jimmy Kimmel’s highly anticipated return to late-night television, ABC released a brief teaser of tonight’s opening monologue during the second episode of High Potential.
In the clip, Kimmel jokes, “If you’re just joining us, we are preempting your regularly scheduled encore episode of Celebrity Family Feud to bring you this special report. I’m happy to be here tonight.”
Sep 23, 2025 at 10:59 PM EDT
Jimmy Kimmel honors Norman Lear in first post since suspension
Jimmy Kimmel returned to social media earlier today, marking his first public statement since being suspended from Jimmy Kimmel Live! by ABC. The late-night host shared a photo on Instagram of himself with legendary television producer Norman Lear, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 101.
In the image, Kimmel has his arm around Lear, a pioneer of socially conscious sitcoms and progressive activism. The caption reads simply: “Missing this guy today.”
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https://www.instagram.com/jimmykimmel/p/DO88ZNDiWAg/
Sep 23, 2025 at 10:53 PM EDT
Why is Jimmy Kimmel coming back on air? Controversy explained
Jimmy Kimmel is going to resume hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight, following a week-long suspension by ABC over controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The network, owned by Disney, cited “ill-timed and insensitive” comments as the reason for the pause. Still, the move quickly escalated into a national debate over free speech and media accountability.
Kimmel’s September 15 monologue accused MAGA supporters of distorting the shooter’s motives, despite reports that the assailant leaned left politically. The backlash was swift, with figures like Senator Ted Cruz condemning the remarks and FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatening to scrutinize ABC’s broadcast standards.
In response, the ACLU and a wave of Hollywood talent—including Jennifer Aniston and Tom Hanks—defended Kimmel, framing Disney’s suspension as a threat to constitutional rights. A Change.org petition and widespread subscription cancellations added pressure.
Disney lifted the suspension after what it called “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, though analysts point to business interests and pushback against federal pressure as key factors. Still, the show’s return is not universal: several ABC affiliates, especially those owned by Sinclair, continue to block the program, leaving viewers in major markets without access and highlighting a growing rift in network distribution.
Sep 23, 2025 at 10:49 PM EDT
Trump slams ABC for reinstating Jimmy Kimmel, threatens legal action
Donald Trump took to social media Tuesday night to criticize ABC’s decision to bring Jimmy Kimmel back to air following a brief suspension. In a post on his official Truth Social account, Trump accused the network of misleading the White House about the show’s cancellation and claimed Kimmel’s return amounts to an “illegal campaign contribution” to Democrats.
Trump also mocked Kimmel’s ratings and performance, calling him “not funny” and “an arm of the DNC.” The former president hinted at possible legal action against ABC, referencing a previous dispute that he said resulted in a $16 million payout.
The post adds fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding Kimmel’s reinstatement, which followed backlash over his comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC has yet to respond publicly to Trump’s remarks.
Sep 23, 2025 at 10:46 PM EDT
Jimmy Kimmel isn’t available everywhere: how to watch
Jimmy Kimmel is back on air tonight, following ABC’s decision to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a brief suspension. But despite the network’s green light, dozens of local ABC affiliates owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are refusing to air the late-night show.
That blackout affects viewers in six of the top 30 U.S. TV markets, including Washington, D.C., Seattle-Tacoma, Portland, St. Louis, Nashville, and Salt Lake City. The decision stems from ongoing backlash over Kimmel’s recent political remarks, which led to the show’s temporary removal.
For those in affected regions, there are still ways to watch. Clips from tonight’s episode will be uploaded to the show’s official YouTube channel later this evening. Full episodes typically appear on Hulu the following morning. Pay-TV platforms like DirecTV, Spectrum, and YouTube TV may also offer on-demand access, depending on local carriage agreements.
Sep 23, 2025 at 10:41 PM EDT
What time is Jimmy Kimmel back on air tonight?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be on at its regular time, following a nearly week-long suspension. The episode features actor Glen Powell (Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You) and musical guest Sarah McLachlan.
The show was pulled after Kimmel made remarks referencing political activist Charlie Kirk, sparking backlash and a wave of subscription cancellations across Disney-owned platforms. ABC stated the suspension followed “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, and the show’s reinstatement comes amid ongoing tension with major broadcast groups.
Notably, viewers in certain regions may still be unable to watch the show live. Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group—owners of nearly 70 ABC affiliates—continue to block the program from airing, citing concerns over Kimmel’s comments. In those areas, local news replaces the late-night slot.
For viewers without cable, streaming options include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream. Most offer free trials, though access may vary depending on local ABC availability. VPNs can help bypass regional restrictions by connecting to national ABC feeds.
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