Jimmy Kimmel return: ABC brings him back six days after suspension

TL;DR:

Disney says Jimmy Kimmel returns to air this week after a six day suspension.
The pause followed Kimmel’s remarks tied to the killing of Charlie Kirk.
Affiliates weighed carriage decisions during the dispute.
The dust-up sparked a free speech debate and political pressure.
Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on his return episode.

Disney said on 22 September 2025 that Jimmy Kimmel will return to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this week, six days after ABC suspended the show. Reuters reported the reinstatement and the short timeline.

The suspension followed Kimmel’s on-air comments about the reaction to the 10 September killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. People and Reuters reported that ABC paused the show after backlash, then decided to resume broadcasts this week.

Several station groups reviewed carriage during the dust-up. An AP report said some affiliates considered, or briefly took, their own steps while ABC evaluated next moves. Disney’s decision ends the show’s off-air stretch at under a week.

When and where to watch

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET. Disney said the program returns this week, with Kimmel expected to open with remarks on the controversy. Plan on the standard time slot, with local carriage dependent on affiliate decisions that may continue to evolve.

Why he was suspended

Kimmel’s monologue comments, tied to the public and political responses after Kirk’s killing on 10 September, drew sharp criticism. ABC called the remarks ill-timed, then moved to suspend the show, according to coverage from People and Reuters. Pressure and debate grew across social media and in politics. Disney reversed course within days.

The politics around the decision

The pause and quick return triggered a broader fight over speech and politics on network TV. Reuters reported that FCC chair Brendan Carr’s early criticism fed concern about regulatory pressure, though that pressure eased after bipartisan pushback. Former President Donald Trump publicly cheered the suspension, which added to the heat around Disney and ABC.

AP’s reporting noted that some major affiliate groups weighed their own schedules during the dispute, adding business pressure on both ABC and local station owners. That dynamic often shapes late-night distribution, since affiliates control what their markets air after prime time.

What this means for viewers

Most viewers should see Kimmel back in the usual slot this week. If your local station adjusted its schedule during the suspension, you may see changes as station groups finalize their plans. Check your local ABC listings if your screen shows a substitute program at 11:35 p.m. ET.

What to expect on the first show back

Expect an opening statement. Reuters reported that Kimmel plans to address the controversy, though it is not clear whether he will offer an apology or stick to commentary. Booking details were still in flux as ABC moved to restart production.

People reported the staff learned of the return with “relief and joy,” suggesting a normal taping rhythm should resume quickly. That can help the show secure last-minute guests and music.

Background for new readers

Kimmel has hosted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003. The show often takes a summer break with guest hosts, then returns near early September. This dispute briefly interrupted the fall restart window. Recent ABC listings and trade coverage show how the show’s schedule usually settles by early September after the break.

Quick guide: how carriage decisions work

Who decides	What they control	What can change fast
ABC network	National feed and show production	Same-day bookings and taping plans
Local affiliates	What airs in each market after prime time	Last-minute schedule swaps
Disney corporate	Policy and talent relations	Suspension or reinstatement decisions

AP highlighted affiliate-level choices during the pause, which is why your listing may have varied by city last week.

What happens next

Watch for Kimmel’s opening monologue to set the tone. Disney did not commit to new rules on content, at least publicly. Reuters reported uncertainty about whether affiliates that paused carriage will immediately return, so a full normalization could take a few days. Guest lineups should stabilize once the first show airs.

Why it matters

Late-night shows shape political talk for many viewers. A one-week suspension, followed by a fast return, shows how audience reaction, affiliate leverage, and regulatory chatter can collide. For viewers, the result is simple. Kimmel is back, and the show’s format should look familiar.

Sources: