Jimmy Kimmel to Return to ABC After One-Week Suspension

ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to its regular schedule on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, following a one-week suspension that stemmed from remarks made during the September 15 broadcast.

The suspension began after Kimmel’s monologue addressed the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. During that segment, Kimmel criticized how political figures were framing the alleged shooter. At the time, investigators had not publicly confirmed any political motive or background for the suspect. His comments prompted swift reaction from ABC affiliates and scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission, leading to the program being taken off the air indefinitely.

The decision to suspend the show was met with mixed responses. Some affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair stations, removed Jimmy Kimmel Live! from their schedules altogether. The temporary removal also drew criticism from civil liberties groups, entertainment industry peers, and media observers, who expressed concern over possible implications for free speech and broadcast independence.

After a series of internal discussions between Disney, ABC, and Kimmel, the network confirmed the program’s return. Executives emphasized that the decision was made through those talks rather than as a result of outside pressure or regulatory enforcement.

Kimmel’s return marks the end of a brief but high-profile controversy, underscoring the tension between broadcast networks, regulatory bodies, and the broader entertainment industry when political commentary intersects with major national events.

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, People Magazine, Wikipedia