Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after a nearly week-long suspension by ABC. The host used his first monologue back to deliver an emotional defense of free speech, addressing the controversy over his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While the show is back on the ABC network, two major station groups, Sinclair and Nexstar, are continuing to block the program for viewers in their local markets.
The Walt Disney Company, ABC’s parent, announced the return on Monday, September 22, stating the decision came after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel. The suspension began on September 17 after the host faced pressure from the Federal Communications Commission and criticism from President Donald Trump.
What Jimmy Kimmel Said in His Return Monologue
Opening his show to a standing ovation, Jimmy Kimmel spoke for over 15 minutes in a monologue that mixed humor with serious reflection. He directly addressed the comments that led to his suspension, making his intentions clear.
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,” Kimmel said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.” He explained that he did not mean to blame any specific group for the actions of the alleged killer, calling the individual “deeply disturbed.” He acknowledged that his previous remarks may have been misunderstood, stating, “But to some, that felt ill-timed or unclear or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset.”
Kimmel also strongly criticized what he called government “bullying,” specifically targeting FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and President Trump. He framed the issue as a fundamental American principle.
“This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” Kimmel told the audience.
He expressed gratitude for the support he received from across the political spectrum, naming conservative figures like Ben Shapiro and Senator Ted Cruz. “I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe but support my right to share those beliefs anyway,” he said.
Why Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Was Suspended
The suspension stemmed from Kimmel’s monologue on Monday, September 15, which discussed the political fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10.
In that monologue, Kimmel criticized the reaction from Trump supporters, saying, “The MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” He also joked about President Trump’s response to a question about Kirk’s death, in which the president quickly shifted topics to talk about White House renovations.
The comments sparked immediate backlash from conservative media and influencers. The situation escalated significantly on September 17 when FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested Kimmel should be suspended.
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Carr said on a conservative podcast, hinting at potential regulatory actions against ABC’s affiliate stations.
Following Carr’s comments, two major ABC affiliate owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would stop airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on their stations. Hours later, Disney and ABC decided to suspend the show entirely, calling Kimmel’s original comments “ill-timed and thus insensitive.”
Not All Viewers Can Watch the Show’s Return
Although “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is back on the ABC network, a significant number of viewers cannot watch it on their local channels. The station groups Sinclair and Nexstar have stated they will continue to block the show.
Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns 39 ABC affiliate stations across the U.S., is replacing Kimmel’s show with news programming. The company has said discussions with ABC are ongoing. Nexstar Media Group, which owns over two dozen ABC affiliates, is also continuing its preemption of the program.
This means viewers in cities where ABC is broadcast by a Sinclair or Nexstar station will not see the show on traditional television. However, the program remains available on streaming platforms, including Hulu and Disney+, where full episodes are posted the day after they air.
Reactions from President Trump and the FCC
President Donald Trump reacted to the news of Kimmel’s return on his social media platform, Truth Social. He wrote, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” He questioned why the network would want someone he called “not funny” and suggested Kimmel was an “arm of the DNC.” Trump hinted at possible legal action, referencing a previous lawsuit settlement with ABC.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who had initially threatened action, praised the local station groups for their decision to continue preempting the show. He stated that it was important for broadcasters to “push back on Disney programming that they determine falls short of community” standards.
Support from Hollywood and Late-Night Peers
Kimmel’s suspension prompted a strong reaction from the entertainment industry and fellow comedians. More than 400 celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union condemning the suspension as an attack on free speech.
Other late-night hosts also voiced their support. Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show” criticized the Trump administration’s pressure, while Stephen Colbert celebrated Kimmel’s return, joking, “Our long national late nightmare is over.”
During the first show back, Kimmel featured a pre-taped sketch with actor Robert De Niro playing a fictional, aggressive FCC chairman. The segment served as a satirical critique of the regulatory pressure the show had faced.
The return episode also included interviews with actor Glen Powell and a musical performance by Sarah McLachlan.
The Context of the Charlie Kirk Assassination
The event that sparked the controversy was the death of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.
The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt and charged with aggravated murder. Reports based on statements from Robinson’s family indicated his political views had recently shifted leftward, though a precise motive for the killing has not been officially confirmed.
Kimmel closed his return monologue by referencing Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk’s widow, who publicly forgave her husband’s alleged killer at a memorial service. Kimmel called her forgiveness a “selfless act of grace” and expressed hope that it, rather than continued conflict, would be what people take from the tragedy.
Also Read: Stephen Colbert Reacts to Jimmy Kimmel’s Return, Jokes About His Own Canceled Show
Credits: ABC News
