Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Late-Night Show After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Joke
US comedian Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, on Tuesday after a week-long suspension sparked by controversial jokes about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.
Disney Reinstates Kimmel After Review
Disney, which owns ABC, announced on Monday that it had reached an agreement with Kimmel to bring the show back on air. The company explained the suspension by saying some of Kimmel’s remarks were “ill-timed and insensitive,” but confirmed that after “thoughtful conversations,” he would resume hosting on Tuesday.
The suspension triggered nationwide debates over censorship and free speech after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threatened to review ABC’s broadcast license.
Political Reactions and Backlash
Former President Donald Trump welcomed the suspension last week, suggesting that TV networks critical of him should risk losing their licenses. However, he declined to comment on Kimmel’s reinstatement when asked during a White House event on Monday.
Meanwhile, critics—including free speech advocates, Hollywood stars, and late-night hosts—slammed ABC and Disney for bowing to political pressure. Anna Gomez, the only Democrat on the FCC, accused the commission of “government intimidation” and praised Disney for reversing course.
Affiliate Stations Push Back
Despite Kimmel’s reinstatement, not all stations plan to immediately air his show. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest owner of ABC affiliates, said it will temporarily replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! with news programming while discussions with ABC continue. Nexstar Media Group, another major broadcaster, previously announced it would not air the show “for the foreseeable future” and has not yet updated its stance.
The Controversy Explained
The uproar began on September 15 when Kimmel joked in his monologue about attempts by Trump supporters to politicize Kirk’s death. He also mocked Trump’s reaction, likening it to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish” after showing a clip of Trump deflecting questions about Kirk to discuss White House renovations.
Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed FCC chair, criticized Kimmel’s remarks and suggested punitive action against ABC and Disney. Soon after, ABC suspended the show and reportedly demanded both an apology and a donation to Kirk’s nonprofit organization, Turning Point USA.
Hollywood and Public Support
Kimmel’s suspension quickly became a rallying cry in Hollywood and beyond. His fellow late-night hosts—including Jon Stewart, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert—voiced solidarity. Hundreds of celebrities, such as Jennifer Aniston, Ben Stiller, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro, signed a letter calling the suspension a “dark moment for freedom of speech in America.”
Protests broke out in California, and advocacy groups, including the ACLU, condemned Disney’s decision as a chilling attack on free expression. Calls to boycott Disney+, Hulu, and other Disney-owned platforms gained traction online.
What’s Next for Kimmel?
Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted his late-night show since 2003 and served as Oscars host four times, has yet to publicly address the controversy or his reinstatement. With the show returning on Tuesday, his first monologue back is expected to draw widespread attention.
The case underscores the growing tension between entertainment, politics, and free speech in the United States—raising fresh questions about how far networks will go to protect their talent under political pressure.