Jimmy Kimmel fought back tears as he tried to explain his statement on Charlie Kirk in his first show back on ABC since he was suspended over his comments about the late TPUSA founder.

‘It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,’ he said, while fighting back tears. ‘I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.’

He referenced his post to Instagram sending love to Kirk’s family and said he still does.

Kimmel then tried to explain what he said about Kirk but did not directly apologize.

He thanked his fellow talk show hosts, fans and even conservatives who defended him.

Kimmel welcomed first guests back Glenn Powell – who said he was ‘honored’ and ‘glad’ the host was back – and singer Sarah McLachlan.

At the end of the show, he joked: ‘I think we’ll be back tomorrow night, see you then.’

However, Sinclair and Nexstar stations, which make up about a third of ABC’s affiliates, will not be showing the program.

Kimmel, 57, was booted off the air last week over his comments about Charlie Kirk‘s assassination.

The host said that ‘the MAGA gang’ was attempting to portray the suspect in Kirk’s killing ‘as anything other than one of them.’

ABC’s parent company, Disney, announced that it had suspended the show to ‘avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotionally charged moment for the country.’

But, after ‘having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy,’ the company announced Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to its airwaves on Tuesday.

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Thanks for following our live coverage of Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback show after the late night host was suspended by ABC over remarks made about Charlie Kirk.

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Jimmy Kimmel turns tables on Trump for silencing of comedians
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host delivered a searing 20-minute monologue that paid tribute to his supporters from the left and right while targeting Trump with a dressing down.

Kimmel fights back tears as he said he didn’t intend ‘to make light of the murder of a young man’

‘It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man,’ he said, fighting back tears. ‘I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.’

He referenced his post to Instagram sending love to Kirk’s family and said he still does.

Kimmel then tried to explain what he said about the TPUSA founder but did not directly apologize.

He said it was not ‘my intention to blame any specific group for the actions what – it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual,’ he said.

‘That was really in the opposite of the point I was trying to make, but I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you’re upset. If the situation was reversed, there’s a good chance I’d have felt the same way.’

11:38

Kimmel ends first show back with one last joke referencing controversy

Jimmy Kimmel finished off his first show returning to the airwaves with a last reference to the controversy that embroiled him this week.

After thanking his guests, Kimmel cracked: ‘I think we’ll be back tomorrow night, see you then.’

Sarah McLachlan performed a song on Kimmel’s stage but did not speak, nor did she reference her protest in solidarity with Kimmel this past weekend.

11:15

Glenn Powell says he’s ‘honored’ to be with Kimmel on comeback

Kimmel’s first guest upon his comeback said he was ‘honored’ and ‘glad you’re back’ when he joined the host onstage.

Glen Powell referenced that he used to be allowed to come down to the studio where the show is shot and was allowed to take snacks.

Kimmel jokingly asked: ‘So could I get you to say that, in a way, I saved you’re life?’

11:05

Kimmel criticizes Trump as being ‘unable to take a joke’

Jimmy Kimmel took on Donald Trump directly by branding him a humorless enemy of free speech during his monologue.

‘The president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke,’ Kimmel said.

‘He was able to squeeze Colbert out of CBS, then he turned his sights on me, and now he’s openly rooting for NBC to fire Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers and the hundreds of Americans who work for their shows who don’t make millions of dollars,’ he added.

‘And I hope that if that happens, or if there’s even any hint of that happening, you will be 10 times as loud as you were this week.’

11:03

Robert De Niro joins Kimmel’s comeback show to poke fun at FCC

A-list actor and Trump nemesis Robert De Niro joined Jimmy Kimmel to take a jab at FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.

‘It’s just me, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you shut the f*** up,’ De Niro told Kimmel.

The longtime mafia movie star made several references to mob violence and suggested Kimmel’s ‘free speech’ might cost him his limbs.

The sketch ended with De Niro taking a fake phone call from the president, whom he addressed: ‘Hi, handsome!’

Robert de Niro Kimmel

10:57

Jimmy Kimmel cites Erika Kirk’s forgiveness of shooter as part of ‘teachings of Jesus’

Jimmy Kimmel ended his monologue with praise Erika Kirk for forgiving shooter Tyler Robinson at her husband Charlie’s funeral on Sunday.

‘She forgave him. That is an example we should follow,’ he said to applause.

‘If you believe in the teachings of Jesus, as I do, that’s it. A selfless act of grace, forgiveness from a grieving widow. It touched me deeply, I hope it touches many,’ he said, amid more tears.

‘And if there’s anything we can take from this tragedy to carry forward, it can be that and not this,’ he added, referencing the controversy.

15126155 Kimmel

10:48

Kimmel references Epstein files in jokes about Trump

Jimmy Kimmel played a lengthy clip of Donald Trump saying he doesn’t have talent or ratings.

‘Well, I do tonight,’ Kimmel said of his ratings.

Kimmel then joked that Donald Trump ‘might have to release the Epstein files to distract from this. This backfired bigly!’

10:46

Kimmel calls FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ‘un-American’ for targeting him

Kimmel accused the FCC of being ‘not legal, not American, that is un-American’ for targeting him.

He then asked: ‘Should the government be allowed to regulate which podcasts you download?’

He then said of Brendan Carr, the chairman of the FCC… ‘in addition to being a direct violation of the first amendment, is not a particularly intelligent threat.’

‘Brendan Carr is the most embarrassing car Republicans have embraced since this one,’ Kimmel cracked, before showing a photo of a Trump-branded Tesla.

10:41

Kimmel thanks Republicans who supported his right to free speech

The ABC host singled out everyone from Candace Owens to Clay Travis to Ted Cruz for defending his right to free speech.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but Ted Cruz is right. If he can’t speak freely, he can’t cast on the Smurfs!’

He added that everyone ‘deserved credit’ for saying the government ‘cannot be allowed to control what you can and cannot say on television.’

10:40

Jimmy Kimmel thanks fellow late night talk show hosts

Jimmy Kimmel thanked late night hosts from around the world to touch base with him, including one in Germany who offered him a job.

‘Can you imagine this country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like, come here?’

He thanked the likes of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert to David Letterman and Jay Leno, a longtime rival of Kimmel.

10:38

Jimmy Kimmel opens show with reference to recent controversy

Jimmy Kimmel returned to the stage on Tuesday night to a lengthy standing ovation and applause before joking: ‘Anyway, as I was saying before I was interrupted.’

‘I’m happy to be here with you,’ he added, to yet more applause.

‘I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours, me or the CEO of Tylenol, it’s been overwhelming.’

He joked that he had heard from ‘all the people in the world’ including ‘weird characters from my past’ had reached out.

15126155 Kimmel

10:07

ABC teases Jimmy Kimmel monologue less than an hour before episode set to air

A soundbite of Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue was teased by ABC just 45 minutes ahead of the episode’s air time.

Kimmel, who was welcomed with a standing ovation during taping according to audience members, said he was ‘happy to be here tonight’ in the tease.

‘If you’re just joining us, we are preemting your regularly scheduled encore episode of “Celebrity Family Feud” to bring you this special report,’ he said in the soundbite.

As the audience began to disperse from the taping, members revealed Kimmel’s episode felt ‘unifying’ but said Kimmel didn’t apologize for his controversial comments on Charlie Kirk.

One audience member claimed Kimmel was ‘standing up for freedom of speech.’

The taping was said to be very ’emotional,’ with Kimmel said to have become teary-eyed during the episode set to air later tonight.

09:59

Donald Trump slams ABC for Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night

President Donald Trump blasted ABC for Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the late night show on Tuesday evening.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump slammed the network for bringing ‘someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.’

‘I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,’ Trump wrote.

‘The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his “talent” was never there.’

The post furthered that Kimmel serves as ‘another arm of the DNC’ which would be ‘a major illegal Campaign Contribution.’

‘I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings,’ the president concluded.

The post from Trump comes just one hour ahead of when Kimmel’s episode is set to air for at-home viewers at 11.35pm ET.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 23, 2025. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his "talent" was never there. Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who's not funny, and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE. He is yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we're going to test ABC out on this. Let's see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.

08:53

Jimmy Kimmel was given a ‘much deserved’ standing ovation by employees as his late night show returns

A Jimmy Kimmel Live! employee revealed the cast and crew of the show had a ‘very emotional’ day as Kimmel returned Tuesday evening.

The staffer told People that Kimmel was given a ‘much deserved standing ovation’ during a rehearsal of Kimmel’s late night comeback taping.

According to the source, the crew of the show were ‘very happy’ and ‘relieved’ that Kimmel had returned.

They added that everyone was ‘excited for tonight’s show,’ and revealed Kimmel’s monologue took ‘all day’ to finalize.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Greg Donovan displays a "Welcome Back Jimmy" sign outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood where the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show will be recorded on the first night of the show's return to the ABC lineup on September 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Kimmel's ABC late-night show is returning tonight after being suspended following controversy over his comments about the suspected shooter of Charlie Kirk. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

08:49

Security intensifies as brick-throwing man is thrown out of Jimmy Kimmel taping

Security at Jimmy Kimmel’s taping reportedly threw out a man who allegedly threw a brick through a window last week.

The unidentified man was seen hanging around the studio as security was witnessed kicking him out during the taping of Kimmel’s comeback episode on Tuesday night.

Security efforts intensified as staffers were seen coming in and out of the studio during taping of the highly anticipated episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

A security guard stands outside the theatre where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was recorded for broadcast the day after Disney announced that the show would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci

08:08

Taping of Jimmy Kimmel’s return underway ahead of airing

The recording of the highly-anticipated episode of Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the late night has begun as the audience was ushered into the studio.

Just before 6pm Pacific Time, Kimmel had yet to take the stage as an opening comedian addressed the audience, NBC News reported.

Crowds were seen being ushered into the studio in anticipation ahead of the taping.

Kimmel was reported to have taken the stage and is now in the theater.

Viewers will be able to watch Kimmel’s episode tonight at 11.35pm Eastern Time as it airs.

07:56

More than 400 celebrities signed letter condemning Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension as ‘unconstitutional’

More than 400 celebrities, including former Disney stars, signed a letter supporting Jimmy Kimmel after Disney suspended his late night show.

The letter, released by the American Civil Liberties Union yesterday, declared Kimmel’s cancellation a ‘dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.’

‘We the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech,’ the letter said.

Kimmel’s suspension was further described as ‘unconstitutional and un-American,’ ACLU said.

‘The ACLU has partnered with hundreds of creatives, artists, and journalists to send a message that government officials can never silence us,’ the union said.

‘Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power – because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us,’ the letter continued.

‘This is the moment to defend free speech across our nation. We encourage all Americans to join us, along with the ACLU, in the fight to defend and preserve our constitutionally protected rights.’

The letter was supported by nearly 500 signatures, including celebrities such as Alan Cumming, Ariana Grande, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Cyndi Lauper, Cynthia Nixon, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, John Mulaney, Laura Linney, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Misha Collins, Pedro Pascal, Robert DeNiro, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hanks and Zayn Malik.

Former Disney Channel stars Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo, and Maia Mitchell were also named on the list of celebrities supporting Kimmel.

Hours after the letter was published, Kimmel’s return was announced by ABC.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Selena Gomez attends the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 01: Olivia Rodrigo performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on August 01, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)

07:19

Pictured: Actor Glen Powell arrives for Jimmy Kimmel’s late night return

Glen Powell was seen making his way toward the Jimmy Kimmel Live! studio for the late night show’s return.

Powell, 36, is set to be Kimmel’s primary sit-down guest on the highly-anticipated episode on Tuesday night.

The actor, pictured holding his dog Brisket, is currently promoting his own Disney series, Chad Powers.

Premiering on Hulu on September 30, Powell is set to star in the sports-comedy series that he co-created with Michael Waldron.

Glen Powell carries a dog as he walks to attend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", the day after Disney announced that the show would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

Glen Powell carries a dog as he walks to attend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", the day after Disney announced that the show would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

07:07

Anti-Trump protests break out outside of Jimmy Kimmel theater

A small group of anti-Trump protesters gathered outside of the recording studio for Jimmy Kimmel’s late night show hours before its return.

Protesters were seen holding signs and chanting at those passing by showing their support for Kimmel and their disapproval for the Trump administration.

A banner was seen strung before the theater and read, ‘Trump Must Go Now!’

The group was heard chanting, ‘Trump must go. Jimmy Kimmel stays,’ NBC News reported.

A protester, identified as Lolo, told the outlet that she had taken part in protests against Disney over the weekend and, while not necessarily a fan of Kimmel, said she would protest against the silencing of anybody.

‘I think it is imperative that all of us find a way to resist autocracy,’ she told the outlet.

‘And so for me, because I have time and inclination and some knowledge about the players, I want to be out here.’

Protesters hold a sign reading "Trump must go now!" outside the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show in Hollywood, California on September 23, 2025. Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show will be back on the air in the United States on September 23 after a week-long hiatus following government pressure on broadcasters that critics said amounted to a chill on free speech. But two powerful companies that own dozens of ABC affiliates have said they will continue their boycott, giving viewers "other programming relevant to their respective markets." (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

A protester holds a sign outside the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show in Hollywood, California on September 23, 2025. Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show will be back on the air in the United States on September 23 after a week-long hiatus following government pressure on broadcasters that critics said amounted to a chill on free speech. But two powerful companies that own dozens of ABC affiliates have said they will continue their boycott, giving viewers "other programming relevant to their respective markets." (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

06:56

Shooting at an ABC station in California may be connected to Jimmy Kimmel suspension, officials said

A man accused of shooting at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento last week may have been motivated by Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, authorities said.

Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, is believed to have had ‘a political motive behind’ the shooting on Friday as Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said there is ‘circumstantial evidence.’

‘So there are some indications here that the motive behind the shooting of the ABC news station was political in kind,’ Thien said, NBC News reported.

‘We’re still looking at investigating the case, but he chose a very particular target, and with the notes that he left behind and the target in place and the recent dismissal of the Jimmy Kimmel show, I think there’s circumstantial evidence there to show that this was [a] politically motivated crime by this individual.’

Hernandez Santana’s attorney, Mark Reichel, said: ‘He is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.’

Hernandez Santana, a former lobbyist, was accused of firing into the building that houses KXTV, ABC’s Sacramento affiliate.

No one was injured during the shooting.

During a search of the suspected shooter’s car, writings were found detailing displeasure with President Donald trump and other federal officials, according to a federal complaint obtained by the outlet.

A handwritten note was found and said: ‘For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next.’

Included in the writings were Jeffrey Epstein, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi, NBC reported.

15118809 Pictured: Anti-Trump lawyer who 'opened fire' on ABC news station days after Jimmy Kimmel was pulled by the broadcaster

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Kitagaki Jr/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (15495475b) Three shots were fired into a window at the ABC10 building on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Sacramento. The building was occupied and nobody was injured. ABC recently pulled Jimmy Kimmel late night show indefinitely for remarks about the politics of the man who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist. California News, Sacramento, Ca, USA - 19 Sep 2025

06:36

Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez spotted the day after his return is announced

Guillermo Rodriguez was spotted just one day after Jimmy Kimmel’s return was announced by Disney.

Rodriguez – a comedian who worked on the show with Kimmel since 2003 – was spotted walking around Los Angeles the day after Disney announced Kimmel would return back on air on Tuesday.

With a stern face and a brown ‘Bronco’ t-shirt, Rodriguez was seen strolling outside the theatre where Jimmy Kimmel Live! was recorded for broadcast.

He was spotted outside of the theatre the day after Disney announced Kimmel’s return following the longtime late night host’s controversial comments surrounding the assassination of right-wing podcaster Charlie Kirk.

Rodriguez took part in skits on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and became the comedian’s sidekick on the talk show.

Kimmel’s cancellation came after he insinuated Kirk’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was a conservative.

The late night host was reportedly set to address the comments on his show, before he received the news he had been axed, Deadline reported.

Guillermo Rodriguez, a comedian working on Jimmy Kimmel's show, walks at a parking lot, the day after Disney announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

Guillermo Rodriguez, a comedian working on Jimmy Kimmel's show, walks at a parking lot, the day after Disney announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

Guillermo Rodriguez, a comedian working on Jimmy Kimmel's show, walks outside the theatre where "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was recorded for broadcast the day after Disney announced that the show would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci

Guillermo Rodriguez, a comedian working on Jimmy Kimmel's show, walks at a parking lot, the day after Disney announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

Guillermo Rodriguez, a comedian working on Jimmy Kimmel's show, walks at a parking lot, the day after Disney announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" would return to its ABC network lineup following Kimmel's temporary suspension for his remarks about Charlie Kirk, in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 23, 2025. REUTERS/David Swanson

06:10

Disney celebrities called on fans to cancel subscriptions among Jimmy Kimmel controversy

Disney celebrities such as Tatiana Maslany, lead actress of the Disney+ show She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, urged fans to cancel their subscriptions to Disney, Hulu and ESPN – all owned by Disney.

Marisa Tomei, who plays Peter Parker’s Aunt May in the Spider-Man films, reposted an image calling for the boycott of Disney platforms and subsidiaries on Instagram, Newsweek reported.

Actor Jake Ferree was one of many demonstrating outside of Walt Disney Studios protesting Kimmel’s cancellation.

Ferree told CNN: ‘This affects every aspect of free speech. We should be able to express ourselves. That’s the point of art.’

Celebrities outside of the Disney-realm also got involved on social media, joining others on the boycott and urging fans to do the same.

Supernatural star Misha Collins wrote on X: ‘I’m cancelling my @DisneyPlus subscription “indefinitely.”‘

Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon shared a video also urging fans to cancel their subscriptions.

Nixon said: ‘Hey I just canceled my Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, and they asked me why. I hit “Other” and I wrote, “Because I believe in the First Amendment, reinstate Jimmy Kimmel now.”‘

‘My whole family is really gonna miss Abbott Elementary. We are really gonna miss Only Murders in the Building. But you know what? We would miss the First Amendment whole lot more,’ she added.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: Tatiana Maslany at the Los Angeles Premiere of Neon's "The Monkey" at Immanuel Presbyterian Church on February 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stewart Cook/Neon via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Cynthia Nixon attends the New 42 Studios' 25th Anniversary Luncheon  at New 42 Studios on September 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

06:05

Dem lawmakers call on TV stations for answers following refusal to air Kimmel’s return

Four Democratic lawmakers have called on the owners of two major TV stations following their refusal to air Jimmy Kimmel’s return on Tuesday.

In a seven-page letter obtained by NBC News, the lawmakers called on Nexstar Media Group’s chairman Perry Sook and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s President and Chief Executive Christopher Ripley demanding answers.

The letter asked both corporate heads for further information on their decision to replace Kimmel’s return on Tuesday with news programming and ‘how those decisions may relate to regulatory issues pending with the Trump administration.’

‘If you suspended a late-night comedian’s show in part to seek regulatory favors from the administration, you have not only assisted the administration in eroding First Amendment freedoms but also create the appearance of a possible quid-pro-quo arrangement that could implicate federal anti-corruption laws,’ the letter said.

The letter was sent by Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.

Together, Nexstar and Sinclair own around 70 ABC affiliates across the US.

Both media groups were revealed to have pending business with the Trump administration’s Federal Communications Commission, which regulates broadcast television and other media platforms.

Nexstar was revealed to be seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion merger with rival, Tegna. Sinclair was also reported to be looking for business mergers.

The lawmakers asked eight questions of the corporate heads, including which executives were involved in discussions over pre-empting Kimmel’s show, what actions the companies are taking to ‘facilitate the Trump administration’s sign-off’ on pending deals, and whether the groups spoke to FCC or Trump officials about the decision.

This image released by ABC shows Jimmy Kimmel on the set of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"  on Sept. 3, 2025. (Randy Holmes/Disney via AP)

05:45

Disney revealed to have lost $5 BILLION following backlash over Kimmel suspension

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension is revealed to have cost The Walt Disney Company nearly $5 billion of its market value after facing waves of backlash for slashing the late night host’s show.

Outrage over Kimmel’s cancellation sent social media into a frenzy as many began to take their anger out on Disney.

Users online began to boycott the company and started cancelling their Disney+ subscriptions in protest of Kimmel’s suspension.

‘Consumers were exercising their own First Amendment rights and ending their subscriptions to the company’s streaming services,’ Susan Campbell, a media studies professor at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, told Reuters.

In a statement on Monday, The Walt Disney Company said: ‘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.’

Experts said the decision to bring Kimmel back was fueled by business interests after Disney stock plummeted in the days after the late night host’s suspension.

Between September 17 and early on Tuesday, Disney stock fell by 2.39 percent – around $4.99 billion in market value.

Social media swirled over the last week with many expressing outrage, and others support, for Kimmel’s cancellation.

JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!  "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Tuesday, May 20 included Sarah Silverman ("Sarah Silverman: PostMortem"), Paul W. Downs ("Hacks"), and musical guest Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory. (Disney/Randy Holmes) JIMMY KIMMEL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images)

05:12

Here’s who won’t be able to watch Jimmy Kimmel’s return

As Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to television tonight following his suspension, two media companies who own ABC affiliated stations have announced they won’t be airing the controversial episode.

Sinclair and Nexstar, which own 39 and 20 ABC affiliate stations, announced they won’t be airing the episode leaving many viewers in certain cities unable to tune in.

Despite stations foregoing streaming Kimmel’s return, viewers can still turn to platforms such as Hulu and Disney+ to catch new episodes or see Kimmel’s monologue across YouTube and social media.

Across both Sinclair and Nexstar stations, news programming will air during Kimmel’s comeback.

Cities with Sinclair-owned ABC stations unable to watch the episode include:

Alabama — Bessemer (WDBB)
Alabama — Birmingham (WABM and ABC 33/40)
Alabama — Mobile (WEAR-TV)
Alabama — Tuscaloosa (WDBB)
Arkansas — Little Rock (KATV)
California — Arcata (KAEF-TV)
California — Chico (KRCR-TV)
California — Eureka (KAEF-TV)
California — Redding (KRCR-TV)
Florida — Pensacola (WEAR-TV)
Florida — Fort Walton Beach (WEAR-TV)
Georgia — Macon (WGXA)
Michigan — Cadillac (WGTU)
Michigan — Cheboygan (WTOM-TV)
Michigan — Sault Ste. Marie (WGTQ)
Michigan — Traverse City (WGTU)
Missouri — St. Louis (KDNL-TV)
Nebraska — Grand Island (NTV)
Nebraska — Hastings (NTV)
Nebraska — Hayes Center (NTV)
Nebraska — Kearney (NTV)
Nebraska — McCook (NTV)
Nebraska — North Platte (NTV, KHGI-CD)
New Mexico — Clovis (KVIH-TV)
New York — Rochester (WHAM-TV)
North Carolina — Asheville (WLOS)
North Carolina — Greensboro (WXLV-TV)
North Carolina — Greenville (WCTI-TV)
North Carolina — High Point (WXLV-TV)
North Carolina — Jacksonville (WCTI-TV)
North Carolina — Lumberton (WPDE-TV)
North Carolina — New Bern (WCTI-TV)
North Carolina — Washington (WCTI-TV)
North Carolina — Winston-Salem (WXLV-TV)
Ohio — Columbus (WSYX)
Ohio — Dayton (WKEF)
Oklahoma — Tulsa (KTUL)
Oregon — Portland (KATU)
Oregon — Salem (KATU)
Pennsylvania — Altoona (WATM-TV)
Pennsylvania — Johnstown (WATM-TV)
Pennsylvania — State College (WATM-TV)
South Carolina — Anderson (WLOS)
South Carolina — Charleston (WCIV)
South Carolina — Florence (WPDE-TV)
South Carolina — Greenville (WLOS)
South Carolina — Myrtle Beach (WPDE-TV)
South Carolina — Spartanburg (WLOS)
Tennessee — Chattanooga (WTVC)
Texas — Abilene (KTXS-TV)
Texas — Amarillo (KVII-TV)
Texas — San Angelo (KTXE-LD)
Texas — Sweetwater (KTXS-TV)
Virginia — Lynchburg (WSET-TV)
Virginia — Roanoke (WSET-TV)
Washington, D.C. — Washington, D.C. (WJLA-TV)
Washington — Seattle (KOMO-TV)
Washington — Tacoma (KOMO-TV)
Washington — Vancouver (KATU)
West Virginia — Charleston (WCHS-TV)
West Virginia — Huntington (WCHS-TV)
West Virginia — Parkersburg (WCHS-TV)

Nexstar owned ABC affiliates also foregoing airing the episode include:

Alabama — Dothan (WDHN)
Connecticut — Hartford (WTNH)
Connecticut — New Haven (WTNH)
Florida — Panama City (WMBB)
Georgia — Augusta (WJBF)
Illinois — Rockford (WTVO)
Indiana — Evansville (WEHT)
Indiana — Terre Haute (WAWV-TV)
Iowa — Sioux City (KCAU-TV)
Kansas — Pittsburg (KODE-TV)
Kansas — Topeka (KTKA-TV)
Kentucky — Henderson (WEHT)
Kentucky — Owensboro (WEHT)
Louisiana — New Orleans (WGNO)
Michigan — Battle Creek (WOTV)
Michigan — Grand Rapids (WOTV)
Michigan — Jackson (WLAJ)
Michigan — Kalamazoo (WOTV)
Michigan — Lansing (WLAJ)
Missouri — Joplin (KODE-TV)
Montana — Billings (KSVI)
New York — Albany (WTEN)
New York — Binghamton (WIVT)
New York — Plattsburgh (WVNY)
New York — Rome (WUTR)
New York — Schenectady (WTEN)
New York — Syracuse (WSYR-TV)
New York — Troy (WTEN)
New York — Utica (WUTR)
New York — Watertown (WWTI)
Ohio — Youngstown (WYTV)
Pennsylvania — Erie (WJET-TV)
Pennsylvania — Harrisburg (WHTM-TV)
Pennsylvania — Lancaster (WHTM-TV)
Pennsylvania — Lebanon (WHTM-TV)
Pennsylvania — York (WHTM-TV)
Tennessee — Bristol (WJHL-TV)
Tennessee — Johnson City (WJHL-TV)
Tennessee — Kingsport (WJHL-TV)
Tennessee — Knoxville (WATE-TV)
Tennessee — Nashville (WKRN-TV)
Texas — Lubbock (KAMC)
Texas — Midland (KMID)
Texas — Odessa (KMID)
Utah — Salt Lake City (KTVX)
Vermont — Burlington (WVNY)
Virginia — Bristol (WJHL-TV)
Virginia — Petersburg (WRIC-TV)
Virginia — Richmond (WRIC-TV)
West Virginia — Clarksburg (WBOY-TV)
West Virginia — Fairmont (WBOY-TV)
West Virginia — Morgantown (WBOY-TV)