BREAKING: Jimmy Kimmel’s Late-Night Show to Resume on Tuesday, ABC Confirms
After days of intimidation, FCC threats, and pressure from MAGA broadcasters, Disney put Kimmel back on air — proving that free speech and public outrage can overpower political bullying.
ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program will return to on Tuesday, ending nearly a week-long suspension that followed fierce backlash over his remarks regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The show was pulled after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr threatened to strip ABC affiliates of their broadcast licenses, citing Kimmel’s commentary as “the sickest conduct possible.”
In a statement released Monday, Disney — ABC’s parent company — explained the reasoning behind the initial suspension:
“Last Wednesday, we decided to pause production to avoid escalating an already volatile situation during a moment of national grief. Some of Jimmy’s comments were viewed as poorly timed and insensitive.”
The company said it has since held “thoughtful conversations” with the host and concluded the show will resume on Tuesday.
The decision effectively ends a standoff that placed Disney in the center of a heated debate over free speech, government pressure, and so-called “cancel culture.”
A Political Flashpoint
After Carr’s remarks, major affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair both said they would no longer air Kimmel’s show. ABC quickly followed by announcing an “indefinite” suspension.
During his monologue, Kimmel had extended condolences to Kirk’s family but then criticized Republicans’ handling of the tragedy:
“MAGA diehards are bending over backward to portray the man who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything but one of their own. They’re shamelessly exploiting this to score political points,” Kimmel said.
Authorities in Utah later reported that the accused shooter had been leaning further left politically in recent months and appeared to have targeted Kirk specifically for his public advocacy.
As of Monday evening, it remained unclear whether Nexstar and Sinclair stations would carry Kimmel’s return despite ABC’s announcement. The FCC, Nexstar, Sinclair, and the White House declined to comment.
Andrew Kolvet, spokesperson for Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA, criticized Disney’s move on X:
Pushback Against Government Pressure
Anna M. Gomez, the FCC’s lone Democratic commissioner, praised Kimmel’s reinstatement:
“Disney showed courage in the face of blatant government intimidation. Most importantly, I want to thank Americans across the political spectrum who spoke out against this attempt to silence free expression.”
Disney’s suspension sparked outrage in Hollywood and beyond. Labor unions, progressive lawmakers, and celebrities condemned the company’s decision. Former late-night host David Letterman weighed in, warning:
“You cannot fire someone simply to appease an authoritarian administration in the White House.”
The American Civil Liberties Union issued an open letter Monday signed by more than 400 actors, musicians, and creators, calling Disney’s decision “a dark moment for freedom of speech.”
“We the people must never accept government threats against free expression,” the letter read. “When leaders pressure artists, journalists, or companies into silence, it undermines the core of a free society.”
Signatories included Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, Joaquin Phoenix, and Ben Stiller.
Other prominent voices also took stands: Damon Lindelof, co-creator of Lost (an ABC series), pledged to boycott Disney projects until Kimmel returned. Actress Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) urged fans to cancel their Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN subscriptions in protest.
Conservative Reaction
On the other side, MAGA applauded Kimmel’s suspension, framing it as accountability for his comments. “We’re not done yet,” Carr told CNBC the following morning.
Trump claimed Kimmel was ousted because of “bad ratings,” not politics, and accused him of insulting “a great gentleman named Charlie Kirk.” JD Vance joked that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would soon take over as ABC’s late-night host.
Still, not all Republicans agreed with the FCC’s handling of the situation. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voiced concerns about Carr’s involvement. Paul told NBC’s Meet the Press:
“Carr shouldn’t have inserted himself. Yes, people have the right to say offensive things — but companies also have the right not to employ them.”
The FCC Responds
Speaking at a Monday conference, Carr insisted Disney had acted independently:
“This was their business decision. We didn’t order them to do anything.”
He rejected accusations of censorship, accusing Democrats of “twisting the facts” and exaggerating claims of government coercion. This man is nothing but a jerk.
We have more power than they will have you believe. Use it!!!
Kimmel should not return