Jimmy Kimmel returned to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on September 23, 2025, following a week-long suspension by ABC, addressing the controversy that led to his hiatus and delivering a passionate defense of free speech in American entertainment.
Monologue Addresses Suspension and Free Speech
Kimmel opened his show to a standing ovation, acknowledging the break by quipping, “As I was saying, before I was interrupted.” The host, visibly emotional at times, clarified his remarks made on September 15, 2025, concerning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He stated, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.” Kimmel explained that he had posted condolences on social media and did not intend to blame any specific group for the actions of an individual, emphasizing that his intent was the opposite.
The suspension stemmed from Kimmel’s comments criticizing the “MAGA gang” for attempting to politically capitalize on Kirk’s murder and characterize the alleged shooter. The ensuing backlash and pressure, including remarks from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who suggested potential regulatory action against ABC and its affiliates, ignited a national debate on free speech and government influence over media.
Kimmel declared that “to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American” and asserted that “this show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.” He thanked supporters, including those across the political aisle who condemned the perceived suppression of speech.
Ratings Surge and Affiliate Blackout
The return episode drew a significant audience, with 6.26 million broadcast viewers tuning in. This figure marks the show’s highest regularly scheduled viewership in over a decade, far exceeding its typical nightly average of around 1.6 million viewers. Across social media platforms, including YouTube, the monologue garnered over 26 million views within hours, setting new records for Kimmel’s content.
Despite the high viewership, the show was not aired on approximately 23-25% of U.S. television households due to preemptions by major station groups Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group. Both companies cited Kimmel’s “ill-timed and insensitive” comments and expressed a desire for “respectful, constructive dialogue.” Sinclair had previously demanded an apology and a donation to Turning Point USA.
Broader Implications and Political Fallout
The controversy placed Kimmel at the center of a wider discussion about the boundaries of political satire and the role of government agencies like the FCC in influencing media content. President Donald Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Kimmel and threatened legal action, referencing past lawsuits and claiming the show was an “illegal campaign contribution.” Kimmel responded to Trump’s statements during his monologue, calling him a “bully.”
The suspension and subsequent reinstatement also had financial repercussions, with Disney’s stock reportedly experiencing significant declines amid the backlash and consumer boycotts of its streaming services. The situation highlighted the intricate relationship between broadcast networks, their affiliates, and the power dynamics involving government regulators and political pressure in the American entertainment News landscape.
