After a brief suspension following backlash over controversial comments, Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to ABC tonight.
The late-night host was pulled off the air last week after remarks he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk sparked controversy.
Kimmel’s monologue included pointed criticism of the MAGA movement and Donald Trump, calling out what he described as efforts to politicize Kirk’s death.
Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?
His words, which included calling out Trump and his allies for "fanning the flames" following the incident, quickly stirred up criticism from conservative voices and ABC affiliates alike.
In response, Nexstar Communications, which operates 23 ABC-affiliated stations, deemed Kimmel's remarks "offensive and insensitive," leading to the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, initially stated that the decision to suspend the show was made in an effort to avoid further inflaming a "tense situation" and due to the "ill-timed" nature of Kimmel's comments.
However, after days of internal discussions, Disney confirmed that the show would return to air on Tuesday night.
A spokesperson explained, “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.”
How Jimmy Kimmel responded to his suspension
Kimmel’s response to his suspension has reportedly been one of anger and frustration. According to an insider, "Jimmy is p*ssed over the decision to suspend him and the show, and he isn't going to take this lightly, as he is actively looking for ways to get out of his contract.
"This is the last straw, and Jimmy is now looking to break his relationship with ABC forever."
The host, who has been with ABC for over two decades, is reportedly exploring ways to sever ties with the network ahead of his contract’s expiration next May.
Donald Trump, no stranger to sparring with Kimmel, took to Truth Social to express his approval of the network’s decision.
“Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” he wrote, before adding his personal critique, “Kimmel has ZERO talent.”
While Trump celebrated the suspension, many celebrities voiced their disapproval.
Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis expressed her shock via Instagram Stories, posting a photo of Kimmel with a message reading, "I don't think anybody should be canceled. I really don't."
Singer John Legend echoed similar sentiments, sharing a quote about censorship, and actor Ben Stiller also weighed in with a simple yet sharp, “This isn't right.”
As Kimmel returns to air tonight, the situation remains a point of contention.
Will the controversy leave a lasting impact on the show, or will it be business as usual for the late-night host? Only time will tell.