It’s been a rough few days for Jimmy Kimmel, after his remarks about the late Charlie Kirk resulted in an immediate suspension. The decision to suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was made by Nexstar on September 17.
The Cancellation & Reinstatement of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Nexstar explained its decision in a statement, saying it “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.” At the time, it was believed that the suspension was indefinite. However, the outpouring of support from celebrities, other late-night talk show hosts, and fans may have contributed to Kimmel’s reinstatement.
On Monday, September 22, the Walt Disney Company confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to air. It will be back on Tuesday, September 23. The company released a statement regarding its decision and why it initially suspended Kimmel. It stated the reasoning was to “avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” People reports.
The statement continues, “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.”
What Jimmy Kimmel Must Do
It’s not all good news for Kimmel, though, because there will be restrictions on which channels will air his show. He is also being asked to make amends. Media company and ABC affiliate Sinclair have announced their decision to air the show in their 30 United States markets. “Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” the post reads on X. “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”
For “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to return to Sinclair’s ABC stations, Kimmel has been asked to do several things. This includes holding “formal discussions” with ABC “regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability,” People reports.
The company requests that Kimmel issue an apology to Kirk’s family. He must also donate to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA. Sinclair stated that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would not air again until it is “confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform.”
Among the celebrities who have shown their support for Kimmel are Jay Leno, Stephen Colbert, Billy Eichner, and more. There has been an outcry about freedom of speech, with some arguing that canceling the show because of Kimmel’s comments contradicts this concept.
