Jimmy Kimmel’s Return Sparks Boycott as «Free Speech War» Erupts with ABC Affiliates

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to the air amid controversy, as two ABC affiliates, Sinclair and Nexstar, announced they would not broadcast his show.

The decision follows the show’s cancellation last week, after Kimmel’s remarks about Trump and Republican reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death and his killer prompted a stern warning from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who said on the Benny Johnson podcast on September 17, «We can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct and take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead,» calling Kimmel’s comments «some of the sickest conduct possible.»

Carr’s comments set off a wave of outrage across the political spectrum, sparking protests from both Democrats and Republicans.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return, but…

ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on September 23, 2025, a little more than a week after the show was abruptly pulled from the schedule on September 17.

The network’s decision comes after intense backlash, with many viewers threatening to cancel their Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in protest, joined by artists and entertainment figures who denounced the move as an attack on free expression.

In its statement, ABC said it was «committed to supporting free expression and ensuring that our late-night programming remains a space for creativity and diverse perspectives.»

The announcement sparked relief and excitement among fans, many of whom are eagerly awaiting Kimmel’s first monologue back on air.

The host himself has not issued any public comment since the controversy began, leaving his return remarks highly anticipated.

Two major station groups keep Kimmel off the air

According to the New York Times, two major station groups, Nexstar and Sinclair, which together control more than 20 percent of ABC’s local affiliates, announced they would not carry Jimmy Kimmel Live! for now.

Nexstar said it would pre-empt the show indefinitely without offering any justification, while Sinclair stated it required further «discussions with ABC» before resuming broadcasts and would air news programming in the meantime.