Jimmy Kimmel's Late-Night Show Returns After Controversy

Tue Oct 21 2025 17:31:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After a wave of backlash and criticism related to his comments on the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, ABC has declared that Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show will return to air soon. The network deemed the suspension as a precautionary measure amidst growing tensions in the political landscape.

After experiencing backlash for his comments regarding the murder of Charlie Kirk, ABC has decided to reinstate Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show. The decision followed extensive discussions with Kimmel and highlights the tension in the current political discourse surrounding free speech. Kimmel had targeted those in the GOP for their reactions to the tragedy, prompting calls from various political figures and network owners for accountability. Meanwhile, Kimmel's comments have drawn a mixed response from both supporters and critics across the political spectrum.

NEW YORK (AP) — ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show after the network pulled the host off the air indefinitely in the wake of criticism over Kimmel’s comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk earlier this month.

Officials from the network shared a statement on Monday stating that they had conducted “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy” and confirmed that the decision to return the show is effective from Tuesday.

Originally, Kimmel's remarks primarily targeted Trump and what he called his “MAGA Gang,” rather than extensively focusing on Kirk. Following Kimmel’s comments, two of ABC’s largest affiliate owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, cited “offensive and insensitive” remarks and opted to pull the show from their affiliated stations, prompting ABC to suspend it entirely.

In a statement on X, Andrew Kolvert, a spokesperson for the organization Kirk founded, Turning Point USA, criticized ABC's decision to reinstate Kimmel, expressing disappointment yet asserting that Nexstar and Sinclair didn’t need to make the same choice.

As of now, there has been no immediate response from Nexstar and Sinclair regarding the matter. Kimmel himself has not commented immediately on either his suspension or subsequent reinstatement.

Critical background around the suspension stems from federal pressure as well. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr labeled Kimmel’s comments as “truly sick” and warned that the network and its affiliates could face repercussions if Kimmel was not adequately punished. However, he later denied any intentions to revoke ABC’s licenses as a consequence of the incident.

“We made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” the Walt Disney Co. elaborated, explaining that the comments made were ill-timed and that they sought to alleviate tensions.

Kimmel had characterized Kirk’s death as a “senseless murder” in the wake of the shooting incident and condemned reactions that seemed to celebrate it. He also criticized Trump's narrative carrying political implications, expressing misgivings on how adult grief was articulated through an initial political response rather than through genuine mourning.

Following the backlash against Kimmel, Trump supported ABC’s initial actions, stating that the comedian lacks talent and should be removed from network programming entirely.

Responses to Kimmel’s suspension were polarized, with notable former President Obama condemning government coercion against media figures in favor of free speech rights. Others, including actress Jean Smart, defended Kimmel, stating his comments were rather protected expression rather than hate speech.

This entire scenario underscores the delicate balancing act between free speech, media integrity, and political expression in today’s climate. The reinstatement of Kimmel’s show coming so soon after the backlash raises questions on corporate responses to political pressures and the safeguarding of creative expression.