ABC and its parent company, Disney, announced Monday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday following an indefinite suspension. The network pulled the show last Wednesday after host Jimmy Kimmel criticized conservative reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The decision drew widespread attention, political pressure, and industry outcry.
In a statement, Disney said the suspension was intended “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” The statement described some of Kimmel’s comments as “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” but added that thoughtful discussions with the comedian led them to reinstate the show.
Political, Affiliate, and Public Pressures
Kimmel’s controversial remarks came in response to what he called efforts by “the MAGA gang” to politically exploit Kirk’s murder. FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, had warned ABC about regulatory consequences. Major affiliate station owners including Nexstar and Sinclair also refused to air the program while it was suspended.
The suspension provoked swift backlash from the entertainment industry. Over 400 actors, musicians, directors and other creatives signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union. They condemned ABC’s move as a threat to free speech. Some viewers canceled subscriptions to Disney-owned services in protest.
Disney says that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return Tuesday night. Whether all ABC affiliates—especially those owned by Nexstar or Sinclair—will resume airing the show remains unclear. Sinclair has demanded that Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a donation. The company says the show will not air on its stations until those demands are met.
The episode’s host has not issued a public apology. Disney’s statement said only that it and Kimmel engaged in “thoughtful conversations.”
The controversy has raised broader questions about media freedom, regulation, and corporate pressure. Critics argue that threats from the FCC and affiliate backlash create a chilling effect. The network’s decision to reinstate the show is being interpreted by some as a defensive move driven by public opinion and financial risk.