ABC has abruptly yanked Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its lineup, following remarks the late-night host made about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced by Nexstar Media, takes the show off air “for the foreseeable future.”
The controversy started on Monday (September 15), when Jimmy discussed the alleged shooter and said, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.”
According to Variety, Nexstar—the largest TV station owner in the U.S.—issued a statement explaining its move: the company “strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.”
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden personally called Jimmy to deliver the news. Deadline reports the conversation was professional and calm: “Both sides were very businesslike and polite,” a source said.
Jimmy, however, reportedly stood by his words. He “made it clear that he was not going to apologize for anything he said on the late night show about Kirk, but would be ‘clarifying his comments.’ He was also said to want to ‘direct the focus on President Trump’s most fervent supporters.’”
As for when the show might return, insiders hint it could be “soon,” but whether Jimmy himself will be ready to return is less certain.
This isn’t the first time late-night TV has faced turbulence over political commentary, but the move underscores the delicate balance networks strike between free expression and audience backlash. For now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! fans are left wondering when—and if—the comedian’s nightly monologue will light up their screens again.
