Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Silence in First Interview After Forced Hiatus

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was abruptly pulled from the air. The incident occurred in late September 2025. Major broadcasting affiliates made the controversial decision.

The forced hiatus lasted for several days. It followed specific on-air comments made by the host. The situation highlighted growing tensions within the media landscape.

Affiliate Decisions Spark Widespread Blackout

Two major broadcast groups, Nexstar and Sinclair, stopped airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”. This decision was a direct response to the host’s monologue. According to Reuters, the comments addressed a recent national tragedy.

ABC consequently suspended the show entirely. This action left Kimmel and his staff temporarily out of work. Reruns of “Family Feud” filled the coveted time slot instead.

The blackout affected nearly a quarter of the U.S. television audience. Kimmel’s return was unavailable on these local stations. His monologue was still accessible online via platforms like YouTube.

Industry Implications and Personal Reflections

The incident underscores the power large affiliate groups hold over network programming. Their influence can directly impact a show’s reach and a network’s revenue. This creates a complex dynamic for content creators.

During an interview on “The Late Show,” Kimmel reflected on the experience. He spoke with fellow host Stephen Colbert about the personal impact. Colbert himself is facing his show’s cancellation in 2026.

Kimmel described the surreal moment he learned the news. He took a call from ABC executives just 90 minutes before a scheduled taping. The call happened in a bathroom, the only private space available.

The event demonstrates the fragile nature of broadcast television in a polarized climate. The temporary removal of a major host like Jimmy Kimmel signals a new era of corporate caution. This forced hiatus will likely influence future content decisions across the industry.

Thought you’d like to know-

Why was Jimmy Kimmel’s show pulled off the air?

Major affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair stopped broadcasting his show. They objected to political comments Kimmel made about a recent tragedy. This led ABC to suspend the program temporarily.

How long was Jimmy Kimmel off the air?

The forced hiatus lasted for less than a full week. His show returned to ABC after a brief suspension. Some affiliates, however, maintained their blackout for a longer period.

What did Jimmy Kimmel say about the hiatus?

He discussed it in detail on Stephen Colbert’s show. Kimmel joked that it made him appreciate his platform more. He also shared the bizarre story of how he found out.

How did this affect Jimmy Kimmel’s audience?

Almost 25% of his U.S. television audience could not watch his return on TV. The blackout was enforced by the Nexstar and Sinclair station groups. Viewers had to use online services to see the show.

Have other late-night hosts faced similar issues?

Stephen Colbert is facing his show’s cancellation, though for different reasons. The interview highlighted the unpredictable nature of the television industry. Both hosts shared their experiences with sudden change.