Local TV Stations Decline to Air Kimmel's Return Amid Controversy Over Inflammatory Remarks

Tue Sep 23 2025 21:56:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, major local TV affiliates have opted not to air it due to his recent comments on the Charlie Kirk incident, sparking debates about censorship and free speech.

ABC's decision to bring back 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' has prompted local television stations, including Nexstar and Sinclair, to preempt the show due to Kimmel's remarks deemed 'insensitive.' The comedian faced a suspension after his monologue about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk stirred significant backlash, leading to a heated discourse on media freedom and the roles of broadcasters in shaping dialog.

Local TV stations say they will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! despite Disney-owned ABC bringing back the comedian's late-night show - a week after he was suspended for comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Nexstar and Sinclair, which together run dozens of stations affiliated with ABC, said they would continue to replace the show with regular programming on Tuesday.

Mr Kimmel's remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country, Sinclair's vice-chairman Jason Smith stated.

The liberal comedian's show was pulled from air after his monologue caused uproar following Kirk's shooting.

Nexstar maintained its stance, stating, We made a decision last week to preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' following what ABC referred to as Mr Kimmel's 'ill-timed and insensitive' comments at a critical time in our national discourse.

In addition, some have characterized the backlash against Kimmel's comments as censorship, with many celebrities voicing support for him. Critically, the situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding media representation and the boundaries of comedic discourse.