Disney announced on September 23, 2025, that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC airwaves on Tuesday. The show had faced a brief suspension after its host, Jimmy Kimmel, made controversial comments. However, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, which together own up to 70 ABC affiliate stations, have decided not to air the program.
Last Wednesday, Disney halted the show after Kimmel suggested that the shooter of activist Charlie Kirk was aligned with the MAGA movement. ABC called these remarks “ill-timed and insensitive” during a tense national moment. After discussions with Kimmel, Disney chose to resume airing the show.
#BreakingNews: Disney's decision to bring back Jimmy Kimmel doesn’t force ABC affiliates to broadcast his show. Nexstar and Sinclair, which together own **63** ABC stations, are not obligated to air it. pic.twitter.com/sQaAIx3XUz
— Sophie Rain Thread 🔥❤️ (@SophieRainForum) September 23, 2025Nexstar and Sinclair, controlling nearly a quarter of ABC’s affiliates, opted to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live!. A Nexstar official stated, “We made this decision to foster respectful dialogue.” They plan to air news programming instead until they are assured of more constructive content.
The 70 affiliate stations affected cover a significant audience. Viewers in those areas will miss Jimmy Kimmel Live! unless they stream it online. The decision highlights ongoing tensions surrounding media responsibility and political sensitivity.
Read: Jimmy Kimmel’s Future at ABC Was Uncertain Even Before the Charlie Kirk Uproar
Kimmel’s remarks and the affiliates’ response reflect a divided media landscape. Disney’s swift reinstatement attempts to balance free speech with accountability, drawing attention to broadcast standards in today’s polarised environment.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back on ABC, but many affiliates will continue to withhold the show. The controversy over Kimmel’s comments remains a significant topic of discussion.
