“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was pulled from ABC’s schedule on Wednesday, September 17, after the network confirmed the late-night staple would be placed on indefinite hiatus. In its place, ABC filled the 11:35 p.m. slot with reruns of a popular game show.
As per Variety, a memo sent to more than 150 affiliate stations explained the shift, noting that “Celebrity Family Feud” episodes would temporarily air in Kimmel’s time slot on Wednesday and Thursday nights.
This Iconic Game Show Is Replacing Jimmy Kimmel’s Hit Show
For now, “Celebrity Family Feud” has stepped into the late-night hour, offering fans lighthearted entertainment while the network decides on the future of the time slot. The fan-favorite game show, hosted by Steve Harvey, has been a strong performer for ABC and will continue airing in reruns in the late-night schedule.
Affiliate Stations React to Hiatus
ABC affiliates across the country quickly adjusted their programming following the announcement. Sinclair, one of the largest affiliate groups, confirmed that it would air a special in remembrance of Charlie Kirk in the same time slot on Friday and offer it to other ABC stations.
Nexstar Media, the largest local broadcast company in the U.S., also confirmed it would replace “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with alternate programming across its ABC affiliates.
Hollywood Shows Support for Kimmel
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)The hiatus sparked reactions from across the Hollywood industry. Ben Stiller, Sophia Bush, Don Lemon, Kathy Griffin, and Wanda Sykes were among those who spoke out in support of Kimmel.
Sykes, who was scheduled to appear on the show, shared a video on Instagram saying, “Love you, Jimmy.” Stiller also posted on X, writing, “This isn’t right,” in response to the news.
Jimmy Kimmel Fans Show Support After Hiatus
Viewers quickly took to social media to rally behind the late-night host. One fan wrote, “Love you Jimmy. We will fight for your return.” Another added, “Standing with Kimmel!!!”
A third comment read, “We stand with Jimmy Kimmel ❤️” while another supporter posted, @jimmykimmel WE’RE WITH YOU JIMMY!! 💙💙💙
Another supporter wrote: “Please tell me we’re not losing you. This is terrifying”
Kimmel’s Career Highlights & Legacy
Kimmel is best known as the host and executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, the late-night talk show he has helmed longer than any other current host in the United States.
He has also served as a prominent awards host, leading the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2012, 2016, and 2020, and the Academy Awards in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024.
Before launching his ABC show, Kimmel co-hosted Comedy Central’s “The Man Show” and “Win Ben Stein’s Money.”
He went on to produce several series, including “Crank Yankers,” “Sports Show with Norm Macdonald,” and “The Andy Milonakis Show.” In 2018, Time magazine named him one of the world’s 100 most influential people.
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