Disney Breaks Silence on Jimmy Kimmel, Show Returns Tuesday
Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Comments
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Disney and ABC have announced the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after a brief suspension following controversy over comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision comes after “thoughtful conversations” between Disney and Kimmel.
The Road Back to ABC
Disney, ABC’s parent company, released a statement explaining the decision to suspend and than reinstate the show.”Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive,” the statement read. ”We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
As of September 22, 2025, Kimmel himself has not issued a public statement. He has remained out of the public eye as the show was removed from the schedule.
How the Controversy unfolded
The controversy began last Monday when Kimmel commented on the death of Charlie Kirk’s security guard, Shannon Brandt, who was charged with manslaughter. Kimmel stated that the “MAGA Gang” was attempting to portray Brandt as anything other than one of their own and accused them of trying to score political points
from the situation,according to Adweek.
These comments drew immediate criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr on Wednesday. Shortly after, Nexstar Media Group, a major owner of local television stations, announced it would preempt coverage of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. ABC afterward confirmed to Adweek that the show would be pulled from it’s lineup.
Nexstar’s Pending Acquisition and FCC Scrutiny
The timing of Nexstar’s decision is particularly noteworthy, as the company is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna.This acquisition would make Nexstar the largest owner of local TV stations in the United States. Approval hinges on the FCC raising its 40 percent ownership cap rule.
Sinclair Broadcast Group,another large owner of local stations,also announced it would preempt the show following Kimmel’s comments.It remains unclear whether either Nexstar or Sinclair will air future episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
The Role of the FCC
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s criticism of Kimmel’s comments underscores the FCC’s authority to regulate broadcast content, even in the realm of late-night comedy. While the FCC generally avoids censoring content, it can take action against broadcasters for indecency, obscenity, or violations of other regulations. The agency’s involvement in this case signals a heightened sensitivity to potentially divisive political commentary on television.