Kimmel Live Returning Amid Affiliate Preemptions

ABC and parent Disney reversed an “indefinite” suspension and announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return Tuesday, Sept. 23. Major station groups including Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media said they will continue to preempt the show on roughly 38 and 28 ABC affiliates respectively—replacing it with local news and leaving nearly 40 major markets without the broadcast. Sinclair has demanded a direct apology to the Kirk family, a “meaningful personal donation” to the family and Turning Point USA, and said it will not resume airing the show until formal discussions with ABC about professionalism and accountability occur. The dispute has prompted criticism from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and commentary from conservative media figures, fueling a broader debate over censorship, free speech and broadcasters’ responsibilities. Sources say Kimmel, who considered leaving but returned in part to protect his staff’s pay, is expected to address the incident on air while misinformation and partisan responses continue to fuel the standoff.