Jimmy Kimmel Live! was recently taken off the air and replaced in a short few days. Many people are confused about what happened in the first place. So what really happened?
Jimmy Kimmel is a popular comedian and TV host. He’s been hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the ABC network for over 20 years. On September 17, 2025, ABC decided to pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! from the air. The decision came after Kimmel made some comments during one of his shows about the recent death of a conservative political activist, Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel made a joke during his monologue that some people thought was disrespectful. He said people were trying to “capitalize” on Kirk’s death and made comments about the people involved in the killing. ABC said the timing of Kimmel’s remarks was “insensitive,” and some viewers, along with local ABC stations, were upset.
Because of that, ABC paused the show and started having talks with Kimmel and his team. Some stations, like those owned by Nexstar and Sinclair, even said they wouldn’t air the show anymore unless changes were made.
The situation led to a big debate. Some people said Kimmel should be allowed to speak his mind because of free speech. Others thought that TV hosts need to be more careful when they talk about serious or emotional topics.
After about a week, ABC decided to bring the show back. On September 23, the network announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to air that night. ABC said they had “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel and felt it was the right time to move forward.
However, not every ABC station aired it right away. Some local stations still chose to keep the show off the air, saying they were still concerned about the tone of the content.
This situation got a lot of attention because it raises big questions about free speech, responsibility, and how entertainment shows handle serious news. Jimmy Kimmel is known for mixing comedy with real-world issues, but sometimes those lines can be hard to balance.
Networks like ABC have to think about their viewers, their sponsors, and the people who make their shows. They also have to be careful during sensitive times, like after a tragedy. On the other hand, many people believe that comedians should be able to speak freely, even if not everyone agrees with them.
Jimmy Kimmel’s show was back on the air less than a week after it was suspended. The reinstatement was controversial, with President Trump writing on social media: “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” celebrity Ben Stiller said his first performance since coming back was a “brilliant monologue.” Despite these opinions, Jimmy Kimmel’s first night back on the air brought with it the highest ratings in almost a decade.