Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC Tonight: Complete Coverage of His Suspension and Comeback

Breaking News: Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ABC Tonight

Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC's airwaves tonight (Tuesday, September 23, 2025), ending a controversial week-long suspension that sparked nationwide debates about free speech and government interference in broadcasting. Disney, ABC's parent company, announced Monday that thoughtful conversations with Kimmel led to the decision to reinstate the popular late-night show.

The announcement comes after intense pressure from Hollywood celebrities, free speech advocates, and Democratic lawmakers who condemned Disney's initial decision to suspend the show. However, not all viewers will see Kimmel's return, as major station groups continue to refuse airing the program.

The Suspension Timeline: What Really Happened

The controversy began on September 15, 2025, when Jimmy Kimmel made comments during his monologue about the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Kimmel criticized what he called the "MAGA gang" for trying to characterize Kirk's alleged killer "as anything other than one of them" and accused Republicans of trying to "score political points" from the tragedy.

Key Timeline Events:

• September 15: Kimmel's controversial monologue airs
• September 17: FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatens regulatory action
• September 18: Sinclair and Nexstar announce they will preempt the show
• September 18: Disney suspends "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely
• September 23: Disney announces Kimmel's return

Political Controversy and Government Pressure

The suspension came after FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appointed by President Trump, publicly threatened regulatory action against ABC over Kimmel's remarks. Carr described Kimmel's comments as "the sickest conduct possible" and suggested the network could face license revocation.

President Donald Trump welcomed the suspension and suggested that TV networks should have their licenses "taken away" for negative coverage. However, Trump did not address Kimmel's reinstatement when asked by reporters Monday.

"Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country," Disney stated. "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."

Station Owner Responses and Broadcast Implications

Despite ABC's announcement, Kimmel's return won't be universally available. Two major station groups continue to refuse airing the program:

Sinclair Broadcasting Group

Sinclair, which operates more than 35 ABC affiliates nationwide, announced it will replace "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" with news programming beginning Tuesday night. "Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return," Sinclair stated.

Nexstar Media Group

Nexstar, one of America's largest TV station owners, has not commented on whether it will resume airing Kimmel's show. The company previously stated it would not air the program "for the foreseeable future."

Hollywood Rallies Behind Kimmel

The entertainment industry mounted an unprecedented defense of the suspended host. More than 400 celebrities signed an ACLU-organized open letter calling Disney's move "a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation."

Notable Supporters Include:

• Tom Hanks
• Meryl Streep
• Jennifer Aniston
• Robert De Niro
• Ben Stiller
• Jane Fonda
• Lin-Manuel Miranda

Fellow late-night hosts also showed solidarity. Stephen Colbert joked that "CBS, you want to announce anything?" while Seth Meyers described Kimmel's return as "a massive national backlash to Trump's crackdown on free speech."

The Free Speech Debate

The suspension ignited fierce debate about government interference in media and corporate responsibility. FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the commission, praised Disney for finding "its courage in the face of clear government intimidation."

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) called Kimmel's return "a vindication for free speech" and reminded Americans that "when people speak out to hold the powerful to account – it matters."

Political Reactions

Democratic leaders celebrated the announcement:

• California Governor Gavin Newsom called it "a win for free speech everywhere"
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the decision as fighting "against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr"

What to Expect from Tonight's Return

Sources familiar with Kimmel's plans indicate he will address the controversy directly in tonight's opening monologue. Glen Powell, star of "Twisters" and "Hit Man," is confirmed as the first guest for Kimmel's return episode.

The show, which employs between 200-250 people, will resume its regular 11:35 PM ET timeslot on ABC-owned stations and participating affiliates.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Jimmy Kimmel return to ABC?

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns tonight, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:35 PM ET on ABC and participating affiliate stations.

Will all ABC stations air Jimmy Kimmel's return?

No. Major station groups Sinclair and Nexstar continue to preempt the show, replacing it with local news programming. Availability varies by market.

Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?

Disney suspended Kimmel after his September 15 monologue comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination triggered government threats and affiliate station boycotts.

Who is Jimmy Kimmel's first guest back?

Actor Glen Powell, known for "Twisters" and "Hit Man," is scheduled as the first guest for Kimmel's return episode.

What did celebrities say about Kimmel's suspension?

Over 400 celebrities, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Aniston, signed an ACLU letter calling the suspension "a dark moment for freedom of speech."

Conclusion: A Victory for Free Speech or Corporate Calculation?

Jimmy Kimmel's return represents more than just the reinstatement of a popular late-night show—it symbolizes the ongoing tension between government pressure, corporate interests, and free speech rights in American media. While Disney frames this as the result of "thoughtful conversations," critics argue the company initially caved to political pressure before public backlash forced a reversal.

As Kimmel prepares to address the nation tonight, his words will be scrutinized not just for humor, but as a barometer of how far comedians can push political commentary in an increasingly polarized media landscape. The fact that major station groups continue to refuse airing the show suggests this controversy is far from over.

Don't miss Jimmy Kimmel's return tonight at 11:35 PM ET on ABC. Set your DVR and witness what promises to be one of the most watched late-night monologues in television history. Share your thoughts on social media using #KimmelReturns and join the conversation about free speech in America.