Fri Sep 26 19:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The blackout of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” by Sinclair Broadcast Group is ending, allowing the show to return to its ABC-affiliated stations in several major cities. Nexstar, the other major station group that preempted the show, has not yet commented on whether it will follow suit. The preemptions began after conservative criticism of Kimmel’s monologue and subsequent condemnation by a TV regulator. Both Sinclair and Nexstar have been accused of trying to curry favor with President Trump. Sinclair claimed its decision was independent of government influence and stated that although discussions were held with ABC, the network did not accept its proposals to strengthen accountability.
**News Article:**
**”Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Returns to Some ABC Stations After Sinclair Ends Preemption**
Washington, D.C. – “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to return to ABC-affiliated stations owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group starting Friday evening, ending a partial blackout of the late-night talk show that began earlier this month. This means viewers in major cities like Washington, D.C., and Seattle, will once again be able to watch Kimmel’s program.
The preemptions started following conservative outcry over Kimmel’s September 15th monologue and a condemnation by TV regulator Brendan Carr. Sinclair and Nexstar, which together own approximately 20% of ABC stations nationwide, pulled the show, prompting accusations of attempting to gain favor with President Trump.
Sinclair claims its decision to end the preemption was made independently, stating in a Friday press release that it had engaged in discussions with ABC. However, the company says its proposals for “strengthening accountability, viewer feedback, and community dialogue, including a network-wide independent ombudsman,” were not adopted by ABC.
Nexstar, the other major station group blacking out Kimmel, has yet to respond to requests for comment on whether it will end its preemption.
The controversy has drawn national attention, with Kimmel himself addressing the issue on his show. “Even though we are still being preempted in 60 American cities, on Tuesday, we had our second-highest rated show in almost 23 years on the air,” he quipped on Thursday, jokingly thanking President Trump for a “Trump bump” in viewership.
The return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to Sinclair stations marks a partial end to the blackout, but the show’s future on Nexstar-owned channels remains uncertain.
First Piper 