Jimmy Kimmel Back on ABC: Late-Night Show Resumes Tuesday — Read the Full Statement

ABC has decided to bring Jimmy Kimmel Live! back on the air this Tuesday, just a week after the show was pulled following controversy around the host’s remarks.

The network said the pause came after comments Kimmel made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His words sparked outrage and pushed ABC and its parent company, Disney, to hold days of talks before choosing to put the show back.

In a statement, a Disney spokesperson explained: “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”

“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.” Disney said.

The criticism began when Kimmel said on air: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”

Federal Communications Commission chairman Brendan Carr blasted Kimmel’s comments, calling them “some of the sickest conduct possible.” He also warned ABC to “find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.” Carr later claimed his words were not a threat to strip ABC’s licenses.

The backlash didn’t stop there. Nexstar, the largest owner of local TV stations in the U.S., announced it would stop showing Kimmel’s program. Sinclair, another major broadcaster, took the same position. That pressure pushed Disney to pause the show while the debate grew louder.

Meanwhile, Hollywood stars and fellow late-night hosts rallied behind Kimmel. Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep accused government officials of threatening free speech. She-Hulk actress Tatiana Maslany and Rosie O’Donnell even urged fans to drop Disney subscriptions. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and John Oliver also voiced their support, joined by veterans like David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno.

Not all the backing came from Hollywood. Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, also criticized the push to silence Kimmel. He warned that if the government could pressure networks now, it could be used in the future by either party to silence opposing voices.

After nearly a week of heated debate, Disney and ABC reached the decision to bring the show back. Viewers will see Kimmel return on Tuesday night.

This whole situation shows how fragile free speech feels when politics and entertainment collide. No matter what people think about Kimmel’s words, it’s risky when government officials appear to pressure media companies. Networks should hold hosts accountable, but the government shouldn’t be in the business of deciding what jokes or opinions are allowed. What do you think? Should Kimmel have been suspended in the first place? Share your thoughts in the comments.