The show must go on: ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returns after controversy

Jimmy Kimmel Live! Will return to ABC on Tuesday night, the network said Monday, ending a nearly weeklong standoff over the late-night talk show.

Controversial monologue sparks backlash

The show had been off the air after a major controversy. Last week, Jimmy made a comment during his monologue that upset many conservatives. 

The comment was about the reaction from the MAGA movement after the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Jimmy said, “The MAGA Gang is 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. In between the finger pointing, there was grieving.”

Government officials react

This sparked backlash. On Wednesday, Brendan Carr, a top ally of President Donald Trump an official at the FCC, publicly said Jimmy should be suspended. He also mentioned the FCC’s role in regulating local TV stations.

Local TV stations respond

Soon after, two large TV station owners, Sinclair and Nexstar, responded. They said they would not air Jimmy’s show locally.

Then ABC took the bigger step of suspending the show entirely. This move caused a nationwide debate about free speech and government influence.

Sinclair will not air the return episode

Sinclair, which owns many ABC stations, still isn’t ready to bring the show back. 

A spokesperson told CNN, “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.” Sinclair said it will air news programming instead “beginning Tuesday night.”

Sinclair’s conservative owners had strongly criticized Jimmy last week. Their response played a part in ABC’s parent company, Disney, deciding to pull the show temporarily.

The Walt Disney explains its decision

On Monday, Disney explained why they made that decision, “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”

The Disney statement said, “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

Disney faces business and political pressure

Disney leaders are under pressure, balancing political concerns and business decisions. Jimmy Kimmel’s contract ends in May, and late-night TV viewership has been going down.

Jimmy Kimmel to address the issue

A source told CNN that Jimmy is planning to talk about the controversy in his Tuesday night monologue.

Uncertainty remains at Nexstar

Meanwhile, Nexstar has not yet said if it will resume airing the show which normally comes on at 11:35 p.m. ET.