Was Jimmy Kimmel fired? ABC pulls show after Kirk remarks

TL;DR:

ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off air indefinitely on 2025-09-18.
The move followed Kimmel’s on-air comments about Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Big affiliate groups said they would not air the show, pressuring ABC.
ABC is filling the slot with other programming for now.
ABC has not said Kimmel is fired. Status is “pre-empted indefinitely.”

Jimmy Kimmel is not fired. On 18 September 2025, ABC said “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is “pre-empted indefinitely” after the host’s remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk drew complaints and affiliate pushback.

What happened, and when

On 16 September 2025, Kimmel delivered a monologue that criticized political reactions to Kirk’s killing. The commentary set off days of anger from conservative figures and some station groups. By 18 September 2025, ABC told press the show would be off the air “indefinitely.”

Major ABC affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair, said they would not carry the show. Their decisions made a nationwide broadcast difficult, and it increased pressure on ABC to act.

Is Kimmel fired?

No. ABC has not announced a firing. The network’s status is “pre-empted indefinitely,” which pauses the show without stating a return date. That is different from cancellation or termination.

Why ABC pulled the show

Two forces converged.

Affiliate pressure. Nexstar and other groups said they would not air “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after the monologue. Without those stations, ABC would struggle to reach viewers in many markets.

Political heat. Kimmel’s comments drew sharp criticism. The episode became a flashpoint on talk radio and social platforms. Reuters and the Associated Press reported how the backlash built during the week, culminating in ABC’s decision on 18 September.

What fills the time slot now

ABC is programming alternatives. In many markets, viewers saw “Celebrity Family Feud” and other replacements in Kimmel’s slot after the pause began. Schedules can vary by station.

What Kimmel said that sparked the dispute

Kimmel’s monologue focused on the killing of Charlie Kirk and how different political groups reacted. The segment criticized the use of the tragedy for political gain. The tone and framing triggered the on-air and online blowback that followed. Newsrooms summarized the remarks as the catalyst for the pause.

Will the show return?

ABC has not given a return date or a clear plan. “Pre-empted indefinitely” leaves options open. Networks often use this wording during high-sensitivity controversies. Resolution can hinge on private talks among ABC, Kimmel’s team, and affiliates. Until ABC updates guidance, expect schedules to keep showing alternates.

What this means for viewers

No new “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” episodes for now. Your local ABC station will air replacements.
Back catalog and clips remain online. Past segments continue to circulate, but broadcast distribution is paused.
Updates likely come from ABC. Watch for a formal statement with either a timeline or a decision.

Quick timeline

Date	Event
2025-09-16	Kimmel delivers monologue on Charlie Kirk’s killing.
2025-09-17	Affiliate backlash gathers pace. Station groups signal they will not air the show.
2025-09-18	ABC says the show is “pre-empted indefinitely.” Replacement programs begin to air.

Why it matters

Late night shows help set the day’s agenda. When a network pulls a show after on-air remarks, it raises questions about editorial independence, affiliate power, and how broadcast rules shape speech. The outcome here may guide how networks respond to future flashpoints.

What to watch next

ABC’s next statement. Any update on timing or conditions for return will set the path forward.
Affiliate positions. If major groups restore carriage, the pause could lift fast. If not, the stalemate can continue.
Viewer response and ratings shifts. Replacement programming performance can influence ABC’s options.

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