Late-night television has always been a mix of sharp humor, biting political commentary, and cultural critique. However, now, one of its biggest stars has been abruptly silenced. ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live will be pulled off the air “indefinitely” following the comedian’s controversial remarks about the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision has shaken Hollywood and infuriated fans. But President Donald Trump is ecstatic about the news and is glad Kimmel is off live TV.
Donald Trump Celebrates Jimmy Kimmel’s Show’s Cancellation
If Kimmel’s supporters were shocked, his critics were delighted. Chief among them was Donald Trump. The former president took to Truth Social to cheer the news. “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. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible,” he declared.
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For years, Kimmel and fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert have been among the loudest critics of his administration and political movement. Their nightly monologues became rallying cries for viewers opposed to Trumpism. In many ways, they were more than entertainers; they were cultural commentators shaping public discourse.
However, that role now appears under threat. Earlier this year, CBS announced The Late Show with Stephen Colbert would end in 2026. With Kimmel’s show suspended indefinitely, two of the most outspoken critics of Trump are effectively being pushed off the late-night stage. Whether deliberate or not, the message is chilling. After Kirk’s passing, it seems sharp political comedy is no longer welcome on broadcast television.
This also raises difficult questions. Is this about protecting “sensitive discourse” or about silencing perspectives that clash with powerful political interests? For decades, late-night TV has thrived on satire, irreverence, and uncomfortable truths. Stripping away that tradition risks leaving audiences with a sanitized, toothless version of entertainment. Additionally, Kimmel was reportedly planning to clarify his comments on the next episode of his show, but he never got the chance.
What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say About Charlie Kirk’s Death?
The controversy erupted after the shocking death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. The killing sparked immediate political clashes. On his show, Jimmy Kimmel didn’t hold back. Addressing the fallout, he said: “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.”
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Kimmel went on to criticize how certain groups, in his view, were exploiting Kirk’s death for political gain. For a host who has never shied away from weighing in on politics, from gun control to healthcare to Donald Trump, this was another fiery monologue in a long career of using comedy to address difficult realities. However, his words struck a nerve. Within days, Nexstar Media Group, which owns or operates more than 20 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer air Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The company accused Kimmel of making comments that were “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” This move put immense pressure on ABC, which ultimately decided to pull the show altogether, saying it would be “preempted indefinitely.” For fans who’ve tuned in since 2003, it was a stunning blow. Kimmel had become a fixture of late-night television. Now, after more than two decades, his voice has been silenced.
