Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns After Suspension Amid Controversy

Los Angeles, September 24, 2025

News Summary

The popular late-night show ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ has made its return after being suspended due to controversial comments by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The Walt Disney Company initiated the suspension to avoid escalating tensions, while Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group continue to preempt the show on their ABC affiliates. As protests erupted in response to Kimmel’s remarks, concerns over free speech and media censorship have emerged, leading to significant viewer backlash and potential implications for affiliate agreements.

Los Angeles – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has officially returned after being indefinitely suspended on September 17, 2025, following controversial comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The show’s suspension was announced to avoid inflaming tensions in the United States, according to The Walt Disney Company. However, several media groups, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, announced that they would continue to preempt the show on their ABC affiliate stations.

As of now, Nexstar operates 39 ABC affiliate stations, while Sinclair manages 20. In particular, Nexstar operates KXAN, KBVO, and KNVA in Austin, and Sinclair operates KEYE in the same city. These decisions impact the show’s local availability, leaving viewers in certain regions unable to access it through traditional cable providers. However, the show is still accessible for streaming on platforms such as DirecTV, Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu+ Live. The episode scheduled for September 23 will also be available on Hulu starting September 24.

Despite the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, Nexstar’s President Andrew Alford noted that Kimmel’s comments did not reflect the values of the local communities where Nexstar operates. The suspension led to significant public backlash, prompting many viewers to cancel their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in protest. In addition, Sinclair demanded an apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family, as well as a personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

The fallout from Kimmel’s remarks has been met with protests, including a demonstration organized outside the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood where over 100 individuals gathered in opposition to his suspension. This incident has raised concerns regarding free speech and censorship in the media industry, with the ACLU supporting Kimmel through an open letter signed by more than 400 prominent individuals.

The ongoing conflict mirrors broader issues in media where freedom of expression and community standards intersect. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has emphasized the need for broadcasters to act responsibly when making programming decisions in line with community expectations. In light of Nexstar’s proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, pending FCC approval, the way the company addresses the Kimmel controversy could significantly impact its operations moving forward.

Given the current preemption of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” by Nexstar and Sinclair, if it remains prolonged beyond contractual obligations, it could lead to a breach of affiliate agreements with ABC.

FAQ

The complex dynamics surrounding this incident reflect broader societal issues related to media conduct and community values, emphasizing the delicate balance between free expression and the expectations of television audiences.

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Additional Resources

• ABC7 News: Jimmy Kimmel Returns
• Wikipedia: Jimmy Kimmel
• LA Times: Nexstar Preempts Jimmy Kimmel
• Google Search: Jimmy Kimmel Controversy
• WSJ: Jimmy Kimmel Audience
• Google Scholar: Media Censorship in the U.S.
• IndieWire: Jimmy Kimmel Live Unavailable
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of Speech in Media
• LA Times: Jimmy Kimmel Returns
• Google News: Jimmy Kimmel Return

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.