Jimmy Kimmel went back to hosting his talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 which marked the end of a six-day suspension. The break followed controversial comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
On September 17, 2025, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel accused Trump supporters of politicizing the tragedy. His comments drew in political leaders’ criticism and also threats from major TV station groups to stop airing the show.
Upon returning, Kimmel gave out a very emotional monologue in defense of free speech. He explained that he did not mean to make fun of Kirk’s death or target any specific group. He talked about the value of political satire and free expression and also condemned what he described as a wide-scale effort against journalists and comedians.
ABC station groups refuse to air the talk show
At the time large-station groups including Nexstar and Sinclair, announced that they would continue to preempt the show even after the end of the suspension. Also at that time, 25% of ABC stations which included those in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans did not broadcast Kimmel’s return.
Despite Disney lifting the ban, Nexstar and Sinclair continued to broadcast local content instead of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC stations. Nexstar said that they will continue to monitor content in the future. Sinclair also put out the same statement and asked Kimmel to issue an apology as well as to contribute to the family of the victim and to the Turning Point USA.
The talk show host expressed thanks to Erika Kirk for her forgiveness of her husband’s accused killer. This incident has sparked a national debate on free speech, political satire, and the role of media in political discourse.
