Is Jimmy Kimmel Returning to ABC After Suspension Over Charlie Kirk Comments?

Jimmy Kimmel will return to the air on Tuesday. His show was pulled last week after backlash over comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC and Disney confirmed the return in a statement Monday.

The suspension followed strong reaction from the Federal Communications Commission. Its chairman had warned that affiliate stations risked license review if they kept airing the show. ABC said the pause was to avoid further inflaming a tense national moment.

Why Jimmy Kimmel Was Taken Off Air

The controversy began after Kimmel’s monologue on September 15. He joked about Donald Trump’s reaction to Kirk’s death. Critics said the remarks were insensitive. Supporters said it was satire aimed at Trump, not Kirk.

Two days later, FCC chairman Brendan Carr urged stations to pull the program. Nexstar, one of the largest ABC affiliate owners, complied quickly. Soon after, ABC suspended the show nationwide. Disney described the decision as temporary. According to Reuters, the move sparked outrage in Hollywood and among free speech advocates.

Hollywood actors, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Robert De Niro, signed an open letter. The American Civil Liberties Union also condemned the suspension. They called it a direct threat to freedom of speech.

Impact of the Jimmy Kimmel Return

The return highlights deep divisions in American media. Conservatives welcomed the suspension and praised the FCC warning. Former President Trump called Kimmel’s removal “Great News for America.” But many conservative voices also warned against government overreach. Senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson both expressed concern.

Liberals saw the suspension as censorship. They argued it showed the government pushing private companies to silence critics. The ACLU said it set a dangerous precedent. Disney now says conversations with Kimmel helped reach a balanced decision. The show will resume Tuesday night on ABC.

The case has put the spotlight on free speech, political pressure, and the limits of satire in the United States. It also raises questions about how far government officials should go in pressuring media outlets. The return of Kimmel’s show is likely to reignite those debates.

Jimmy Kimmel return marks a critical moment for U.S. television. The clash between satire, politics, and government oversight is far from over.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?

His show was suspended after comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. The FCC warned affiliate stations of license risks. ABC then paused the show.

Q2: When is Jimmy Kimmel returning?

The show returns on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Disney and ABC confirmed the date on Monday.

Q3: How did Donald Trump react?

Trump praised the suspension and called it “Great News for America.” He also complained about negative coverage in the media.

Q4: What was the reaction in Hollywood?

Many actors and groups condemned the suspension. Stars like Tom Hanks and Robert De Niro signed a letter defending free speech.

Q5: Did all conservatives support the suspension?

No. While some praised it, others like Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson warned against censorship. They said it was a threat to free speech.