Kimmel Reinstated Amid Trump Criticism, Affiliate Preempts

ABC/Disney reinstated Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday after briefly suspending the show over Kimmel’s remarks about the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which drew sharp conservative criticism — including from former President Trump — and warnings from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and major affiliates. Disney said the decision followed “thoughtful conversations” with network executives and internal pressure described as tied to Disney CEO Bob Iger’s business concerns. Large affiliate groups Nexstar and Sinclair said they will continue to preempt the program on many ABC stations until assured about broadcast standards, leaving roughly a quarter of ABC markets without the episode, though Disney said the episode will remain available on its streaming platforms and many non‑Nexstar/Sinclair affiliates plan to air it. Kimmel opened the episode onstage at the El Capitan Theatre with a monologue defending free speech, saying he never intended to make light of the killing and thanking several conservative figures by name; the episode featured guest Glen Powell and musical guest Sarah McLachlan. The airing drew enthusiastic audience reaction but also sustained social‑media backlash and renewed criticism from Trump, who suggested possible legal action.