Jimmy Kimmel will return to television on Tuesday night, ending a suspension that sparked a national debate on free speech, censorship, and political pressure.
After nearly a week of controversy, ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following the network’s decision to lift the suspension imposed on the late-night host. Disney, ABC’s parent company, confirmed the decision on Monday, saying the choice came after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel about his remarks on conservative influencer Charlie Kirk’s death. According to the company, it concluded that “while some comments were ill-timed and insensitive,” Kimmel would continue hosting.
Reuters reports that Kimmel’s first guest back in the studio will be actor Glen Powell, known for his roles in Twisters and Hit Man.
Why He Was Suspended
Kimmel’s absence began on September 17, after he used his September 15 monologue to accuse Trump supporters of “capitalizing on the murder of Charlie Kirk” and likened Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy to “how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish.” Those remarks triggered backlash, particularly from conservative figures and regulators.
The FCC chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by former President Trump, warned ABC and Disney of possible consequences, including reviews of broadcast licenses. Affiliate groups like Nexstar and Sinclair pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their stations, amplifying the fallout.
Affiliates Still Not On Board
Despite Disney’s reinstatement, the show’s return will not reach every ABC affiliate. Business Insider has reported that Sinclair Broadcast Group confirmed it will continue to withhold the show, replacing it with news programming across its stations. Sinclair demanded a public apology from Kimmel and a donation to Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA before reconsidering. Nexstar Media Group has also yet to commit to carrying the show again, citing “ongoing evaluation.”
Hollywood and Free Speech Advocates Rally
The suspension quickly became a lightning rod for free speech advocates and entertainers. The ACLU organized a letter signed by more than 400 prominent actors, directors, and writers—including Meryl Streep, Jennifer Aniston, and Robert De Niro—denouncing Disney’s move as “a dark moment for freedom of speech.” Fellow late-night hosts Jon Stewart, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert also voiced support, warning against censorship of comedy according to Politico.
Anna Gomez, the sole Democratic commissioner at the FCC, accused regulators of “government intimidation” and praised Disney for reversing course. She credited Americans across the political spectrum for rallying against what she described as a “blatant attempt to silence free speech.”
Jimmy Kimmel during a monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! — the comments that led to his suspension were made in a segment about Charlie Kirk.
The Bigger Picture
Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003 and fronted the Oscars four times, has been no stranger to political controversy. But this suspension stands out for how quickly a late-night comedy bit escalated into a high-stakes battle involving the FCC, corporate affiliates, and even the White House.
Former President Donald Trump publicly applauded Kimmel’s suspension, saying some networks should have their licenses “taken away” for negative coverage of him. While Trump has not yet commented on Kimmel’s reinstatement, the episode underscores how partisan divides continue to shape American television and its regulation.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Will Jimmy Kimmel address the suspension on his first show back?
So far, ABC has not confirmed whether Kimmel will comment directly on the suspension during Tuesday’s episode. The show’s official website only lists Glen Powell as the first guest.
Can the FCC legally revoke a broadcast license over late-night jokes?
The FCC has authority to enforce broadcast standards, but direct revocation of a license over content like satire would likely face significant First Amendment challenges in court.
Have other late-night hosts faced suspensions for political jokes?
While many have sparked controversy, full suspensions are rare. Comedians like Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher have faced advertiser pressure or calls for removal, but not often network-imposed bans.
How has the audience reacted to the suspension and reinstatement?
Fans staged protests outside ABC’s Los Angeles offices, while social media campaigns targeted Disney+, Hulu, and other Disney-owned services with boycott calls. The reinstatement has been celebrated by Kimmel’s supporters but remains divisive among conservative viewers.
Conclusion
Jimmy Kimmel’s reinstatement ends a suspension that spiraled into a full-blown national controversy. For now, ABC has chosen continuity over capitulation, putting its host back in the spotlight. Yet with affiliates still resistant, regulators circling, and the political climate as volatile as ever, Kimmel’s return may not be the end of the fight—but the beginning of an even larger debate over what comedians can say on America’s airwaves.
