NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television Tuesday after a week-long suspension that has reignited discussions about freedom of speech. His show, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', was taken off the air following controversial comments he made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Despite the reinstatement, two major ABC affiliates, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, have announced they will skip airing the show upon his return. Nexstar has stated that they will withhold airing Kimmel until it receives assurances that all parties are committed to respectful dialogue in their markets, while Sinclair expressed similar sentiments.
Kimmel’s suspension followed comments made in a monologue suggesting that Trump supporters were seeking to exploit Kirk’s death. ABC announced on Monday that the show would return after Kimmel engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with network executives.
In response to the news of Kimmel's reinstatement, CBS host Stephen Colbert humorously remarked, “Our long national late nightmare is over.”
The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s remarks drew significant backlash, including criticism from officials in the Trump administration, some of whom argued he was trying to mislead the public. The situation sparked a wave of support for Kimmel from numerous entertainers who criticized ABC’s decision, reflecting a broader conversation about censorship and media influence.
The discussion continues as millions are expected to tune in to see how Kimmel addresses the recent controversy in his return episode. ABC executives deliberated over Kimmel’s situation for days before arriving at the decision for his return, indicating the weight of the implications for media freedom and public discourse.
As Kimmel steps back into the spotlight, the evolving landscape of late-night television also raises questions about the future of shows that have traditionally served as platforms for political and social commentary.
