Wed Sep 24 03:07:55 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC Amidst Controversy; Major Station Groups Pull Show**

**Los Angeles, CA –** Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” tonight, Tuesday, September 24th, after a week-long suspension following controversial remarks regarding the alleged assassin of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension sparked outrage, reignited the debate over free speech, and even drew threats of federal regulatory action.

The controversy stems from Kimmel’s initial commentary on the Kirk assassination and the reaction from President Donald Trump and his supporters. Kimmel accused the “MAGA gang” of twisting the story for political gain and mocked Trump’s response to Kirk’s death, which drew immediate and fierce criticism.

The fallout from the remarks has been significant. Two major television station groups, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar, have announced they will pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from their schedules. Sinclair, which operates over 30 ABC affiliates, will replace the show with local news programming in affected areas, including Washington, D.C., and parts of California and Florida. Nexstar, another major owner of ABC affiliates, will also be replacing Kimmel’s show with alternative programming.

While viewers in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where Disney owns and operates local ABC affiliates, will still be able to watch the show, the programming changes represent a significant blow to the show’s reach.

Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on tonight’s show, although the specific content and tone remain uncertain. Some viewers have already begun cancelling subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu in protest, using hashtags such as #CancelDisney and #CancelABC.

Tonight’s show will feature actor Glen Powell and singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan as guests. The remainder of the week’s schedule includes Ethan Hawke, Lisa Ann Walter, Peyton Manning, Oscar Nunez, and musical guest Alex G.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights at 11:35pm ET on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu.

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