Jimmy Kimmel is back on the airwaves! After a nearly weeklong suspension that captured national attention, ABC has announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to late-night television Tuesday, reigniting discussions about freedom of speech and political influence in media.
The suspension came after Kimmel’s monologue on September 15, in which he criticized the political response to the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel suggested that some Trump supporters were attempting to “score political points” by portraying Kirk’s accused killer, Tyler Robinson, as a left-wing radical. These comments triggered intense backlash, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair Brendan Carr threatening action, and hundreds of Hollywood stars signing a letter defending free expression.
ABC had initially suspended the show indefinitely, calling Kimmel’s remarks “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” After several days of discussions between the network and Kimmel, the decision was reversed, and the show is set to air with scheduled guests actor Glen Powell and singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. McLachlan had previously pulled out of other appearances in protest of the suspension, but is now confirmed to perform.
While ABC lifts the suspension, not all stations will carry the program. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which together control about a quarter of ABC affiliates, announced they will continue to preempt the show. This decision underscores the ongoing tension between corporate decisions and audience access in the U.S. media landscape.
The controversy has sparked widespread discussion about the limits of political commentary and media accountability. Republican Senator Ted Cruz criticized FCC Chairman Carr, calling his actions “unbelievably dangerous,” while other late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, voiced support for Kimmel. Over 400 Hollywood celebrities signed a letter condemning the suspension as a threat to free speech.
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, framing it as a matter of talent and ratings rather than censorship. Regardless of political alignment, the incident highlights the fragile balance between comedy, journalism, and politics in today’s late-night television environment.
Kimmel has remained publicly silent since his suspension, though he shared an Instagram post of himself with late television producer Norman Lear, hinting at his excitement to return. As the network navigates ongoing affiliate preemptions and public scrutiny, millions of viewers anticipate Kimmel’s return to the stage. As the late-night TV landscape shifts, Kimmel’s return is not just about comedy—it is a pivotal moment in the conversation about freedom of speech, corporate influence, and the responsibilities of entertainers addressing politically charged events.
