What happened?
Disney-owned ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following the comedian’s controversial remarks about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel accused conservatives of “desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
By Wednesday evening, ABC announced that the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” A spokesperson did not provide a specific reason for the suspension.
Backlash and political pressure
The comments sparked a wave of criticism from conservative figures and allies of President Donald Trump. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr suggested broadcasters could face license reviews if action was not taken against Kimmel.
“These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,” Carr said on right-wing commentator Benny Johnson’s podcast.
Trump, currently on a state visit to the UK, praised Disney’s move in a post on Truth Social, writing:
“Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. That leaves Jimmy (Fallon) and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
Other Trump allies, including senior White House official Taylor Budowich, applauded the decision, calling it “the right and reasonable thing.”
Network fallout
Nexstar, which operates more than 30 ABC affiliate stations, announced it would stop airing Kimmel’s show “for the foreseeable future,” calling his language “offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.” Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, further complicating the political backdrop.
Andrew Alford, Nexstar’s broadcasting president, said the suspension was necessary to uphold “community values.”
If Disney ultimately cancels Kimmel’s show, he would become the second late-night host dropped in recent months. CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in July, officially citing financial reasons but sparking political speculation after Colbert’s public criticism of Trump.
Free speech concerns
The move has drawn sharp condemnation from free expression advocates. Ari Cohn of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) accused ABC of bowing to government intimidation.
“We cannot be a country where late-night talk show hosts serve at the pleasure of the president,” Cohn said. “Until institutions grow a backbone and learn to resist government pressure, that is the country we are.”
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat on the board, also criticized the move. Speaking with CNN, she warned that the administration was “increasingly using the weight of government power to suppress lawful expression.”
“This sets a dangerous new precedent,” Gomez added. “Companies must stand firm against any efforts to trade away First Amendment freedom.”
What’s next?
As of now, Kimmel has not commented publicly on the suspension. ABC has not confirmed whether the hiatus will lead to a permanent cancellation.
The decision underscores the increasingly politicized climate surrounding late-night television, where outspoken hosts face mounting pressure from both audiences and regulators.
