Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Air Amid Ongoing Affiliate Censorship

Jimmy Kimmel's news, (X/@jimmykimmel)

After a week-long suspension that ignited national debate, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC on Monday, September 22, 2025. However, the broadcast was far from nationwide. Several affiliates, particularly those owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group, continued their blackout of the program, while Nexstar Media Group has yet to make a final decision on whether to resume carriage.

A Political and Media Standoff

The controversy began with Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, in which he mocked the political reactions to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His remarks were labeled offensive by allies of former president Donald Trump and amplified by conservative media figures such as Mollie Hemingway and Benny Johnson.

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The pressure escalated when Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr publicly suggested potential regulatory actions against ABC, including fines and license reviews, giving governmental weight to conservative outrage.

Disney and ABC Caught in the Crossfire

For Disney, ABC’s parent company, the situation is a balancing act: defending the editorial freedom of one of its flagship hosts while managing strained relationships with powerful affiliates.

• Sinclair remains firm, insisting Kimmel’s comments “crossed the line of decency.”
• Nexstar, ABC’s largest affiliate operator, is still weighing its options carefully, aware that its pending consolidation projects before the FCC could be affected by its decision.

Beyond Kimmel: A Larger Free Speech Test

Analysts say Kimmel’s partial return underscores the deepening polarization of American media. Journalists like Jake Tapper have already warned of a “dangerous precedent”: if political pressure can silence or limit a late-night comedian, other critical voices may be next.

The Future of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Although Kimmel has resumed his role behind the desk, the long-term future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain. Its national reach depends largely on whether affiliates resume broadcasts in the coming days and on Disney’s ability to shield its host without compromising broader corporate interests.

Kimmel’s return does not close the controversy — it extends the battle over free speech, satire, and the place of political commentary in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.