Additional Coverage:
- Jimmy Kimmel is back after a huge backlash. Here’s what comedians, politicians, and celebs are saying about his return. (businessinsider.com)
Kimmel Returns to Late Night, Sparking Celebration and Controversy
Jimmy Kimmel is back! After a week-long suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to ABC tonight, triggering a wave of reactions from celebrities, politicians, and media figures.
The show’s suspension stemmed from comments Kimmel made following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Facing pressure from FCC Chair Brendan Carr and Nexstar, which owns several ABC affiliates, Disney, ABC’s parent company, initially pulled the show indefinitely. This decision ignited protests and calls for a Disney boycott, alongside praise from some, including former President Donald Trump.
The announcement of Kimmel’s return was met with enthusiasm by many. Stephen Colbert jokingly lamented on “The Late Show” that he was, once again, the only late-night host facing cancellation (his show is slated to end in 2026).
Comedian Ben Stiller, who previously criticized the suspension, celebrated the news on social media. California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in, thanking everyone “but @BrendanCarrFCC” and calling the reinstatement “a win for free speech.”
Jon Stewart, appearing on “The Daily Show,” linked the controversy to broader free speech concerns, urging viewers to “fight like hell” for their constitutional rights. He credited public backlash for Disney’s reversal.
However, the return is not without its complications. Sinclair Broadcasting Group, another owner of ABC affiliates, announced it would preempt Kimmel’s show with news programming, while discussions with ABC continue. Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet, who also worked on Charlie Kirk’s podcast, criticized Disney’s decision, suggesting other affiliate groups follow Sinclair’s lead.
FCC Chair Carr, meanwhile, maintained that the FCC had not threatened to revoke licenses and emphasized the importance of local stations serving their communities. He framed the situation as local stations asserting their independence from national programmers.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani celebrated the return as a “victory for free speech,” while actor Mark Hamill playfully anticipated the reaction on social media. The diverse responses highlight the complex intersection of free speech, media ownership, and political discourse in the current climate.