ABC has hit pause on Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the late-night host made controversial comments about the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision wasn’t solely from the network. But it was pushed by criticism from the FCC, pressure from local TV station groups, and plenty of political voices.
For now, the show is suspended without a clear return date. The sudden move has shocked late-night fans, sparked debates about free speech, and drawn reactions from both politicians and broadcasters across the country.
ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off The Air
All the troubles began when Kimmel opened his show by saying, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
At the time, many thought the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was linked to the political right. But as more details came out, it turned out Robinson had recently been leaning toward progressive causes like LGBTQ rights. Prosecutors later charged him with aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. They said the motive was personal, not political.
Even so, Kimmel’s comments landed badly. Just two days later, on September 17, ABC said the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” That meant suspended, simply. Behind the scenes, sources said he was planning to explain his remarks on-air, but not to apologize.
Meanwhile, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr added fuel to the fire. Speaking on a conservative podcast, he warned ABC and its affiliates. He said, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” He suggested that airing Kimmel could even put broadcasters’ licenses at risk. Carr went so far as to call Kimmel’s behavior “the sickest conduct possible.”
Pressure From the Affiliates
What makes the time more delicate is that Nexstar Media Group, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger. They quickly announced it would not air Kimmel “for the foreseeable future.” According to Nexstar broadcasting chief Andrew Alford, Kimmel’s remarks were “offensive and insensitive” and simply not in the public interest.
Soon after, Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns even more ABC affiliates, made a similar move. The company declared it would not air Kimmel either. And instead, he planned to fill his Friday night slot with a Charlie Kirk remembrance special. With both Nexstar and Sinclair turning against him, ABC had little choice but to act.
At the same time, former President Donald Trump jumped in to celebrate the decision. On Truth Social, he wrote, “Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” While Trump described it as a cancellation, ABC insisted it was a suspension.
The move also sparked a strong reaction outside politics. The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA both condemned the suspension as an attack on free speech. Fans waiting outside Kimmel’s Hollywood studio were left confused and frustrated when the taping was suddenly canceled.
Comparisons quickly emerged with CBS’s decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, another outspoken critic of Trump. Taken together, the back-to-back removals of two late-night hosts left many wondering. Is political satire being pushed out of network television?
Kimmel, who has hosted his late-night show since 2003, was left in shock. His contract runs through 2026, but the suspension brings questions about his future. For someone who has long been a loyal figure at ABC, the fallout leaves many questions hanging.
Sinclair Says Suspension Is Not Enough
While ABC’s suspension might have seemed like the end of the story, Sinclair Broadcast Group made clear it was only the beginning. The company, which owns 32 ABC affiliates, said the network’s move did not go far enough. Instead, Sinclair demanded stronger action before it would consider putting Jimmy Kimmel Live! back on air.
Vice Chairman Jason Smith outlined the company’s position in blunt terms. He said, “Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.”
Sinclair insisted on conditions. First, Kimmel must issue a direct apology to Charlie Kirk’s family. Second, he should make financial donations to both the family and Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA. Until steps are taken, Sinclair said it would continue with alternative programming. It will include the Kirk remembrance special already announced.
Brendan Carr, the FCC chairman, praised Sinclair’s decision. He argued that affiliates were right to stand up to ABC and Disney. They said broadcasters had a duty to serve the public interest. According to him, this meant rejecting what he called “progressive foie gras coming out from New York and Hollywood.”
This might create a new dilemma for Kimmel, as reports suggest he does not believe his comments require an apology. However, affiliates have made it clear they will not budge without one. As a result, Disney may be forced to intervene to maintain strong relationships with affiliate groups.
Kimmel has previously hinted he might step away from late-night. And with his show suspended, affiliates rebelling, and critics demanding more than just a suspension, his exit may now come sooner than expected.
