ABC Reinstates Kimmel; Some Affiliates Still Preempt

Disney-owned ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! after suspending the show over Kimmel’s remarks about the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Kimmel posted a photo of Norman Lear captioned “Missing this guy today” — his first public comment since the suspension — which was widely read as a pointed free-speech statement. Disney/ABC said after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel that the show would return six days after the suspension, with production resuming on Sept. 23, though major affiliates including Sinclair and Nexstar said they will continue to preempt the program in some markets. The suspension drew celebrity support and an ACLU-backed open letter signed by hundreds warning of a chilling effect on artistic speech and reignited debate over the role of nightly political satire. Kimmel said he is returning in part to support his staff and payroll, but reports indicate he may leave ABC when his contract expires in May 2026, leaving the show's long-term future uncertain.