Jimmy Kimmel Returns After Disney Suspension Decision
Jimmy Kimmel is back! His late-night gig, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is officially returning to ABC this Tuesday after being placed on hold.
The Walt Disney Company confirmed the move on Monday, telling TMZ:
“Last Wednesday, we chose to hit pause on production to keep from escalating an already charged situation during a pivotal time for our nation. We felt some comments were poorly timed and insensitive.
Over the past few days, we’ve engaged in some deep conversations with Jimmy, and through those discussions, we decided it was best to bring the show back on Tuesday.”
ABC had announced just last week that Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended after his controversial monologue about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Now, with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, stepping in, the show is making a fast comeback.
Behind Disney’s Decision To Reinstate Jimmy Kimmel
Disney’s call to bring back Kimmel wasn’t random. Executives reportedly spent days in closed-door talks before deciding to reinstate him. According to a source close to production, Iger and Walden made the final call Monday and informed Kimmel personally.
The suspension came after major broadcast owners Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair threatened to pull Kimmel’s show from their affiliates. Nexstar controls over 200 stations across the U.S., while Sinclair holds similar reach. Sinclair even released a statement demanding a “formal discussion” with ABC before lifting its preemption.
While Sinclair and Nexstar declined further comment on Monday, insiders say Disney wanted to avoid deeper clashes with its affiliate owners. At the same time, executives faced mounting pressure from fans, celebrities, and even former Disney leadership who called the FCC’s moves intimidation tactics.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Sparks Free Speech Debate
The suspension set off a firestorm across media and politics. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr suggested ABC’s broadcast license could be at risk, telling CNBC, “we’re not done yet” with changes to the media landscape.
This drew comparisons to CBS canceling The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in July, raising bigger questions about free speech under Trump’s second term. Critics argue that Kimmel’s suspension was less about his comments and more about political pressure on broadcasters.
Donald Trump has repeatedly blasted ABC and NBC, accusing them of “unfair coverage of Republicans and/or Conservatives.” His administration has been tied to lawsuits, regulatory shakeups, and the defunding of public broadcasters.
In response, fellow hosts Stephen Colbert and David Letterman came out swinging, calling the suspension censorship. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner also slammed the FCC for what he described as “intimidation” against ABC.
Industry Reaction To Disney Announcing Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Will Resume Tomorrow
The entertainment industry has been loud about Disney’s decision. Some praised the return, saying Kimmel’s voice is needed during tense political times. Others questioned whether the quick turnaround was more about saving advertising dollars than standing on principle.
Late-night TV is already in a fragile state. Advertisers, networks, and audiences are watching closely. For Disney, getting Kimmel back on the air could stabilize ratings and calm tensions with affiliates. But critics say this move doesn’t erase the fact that networks are bending to outside political pressure.
What To Expect On Jimmy Kimmel Live’s Return
When Kimmel tapes his Tuesday night return, all eyes will be on how he addresses the controversy. According to insiders, he will speak directly about the suspension in his opening monologue. Whether he apologizes, doubles down, or pivots with humor will likely define the next chapter of his show.