Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC after a brief suspension is set to take place today, but his comeback is far from smooth sailing.
The late-night host’s suspension followed controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which ignited a firestorm of criticism.
While ABC and Disney have confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to the airwaves tonight after “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel, it’s clear that the situation is far from resolved.
But what exactly will he say?
While Kimmel faced suspension, he reportedly negotiated his return directly with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden.
Insiders suggest that Kimmel will address the controversy in his monologue tonight, though it’s unclear whether he will issue an apology.
"We won’t know what he’s going to say to address it, they’re going to keep that secret," an insider revealed to the Daily Mail, "but I can tell you he’s not going to roll over and just take it."
Kimmel’s $15 million-per-year contract with ABC has made him one of the highest-paid late-night hosts, but his future with the network hangs in the balance.
Despite his return to the air tonight, the situation remains fraught, with ongoing discussions about his position at the network after his contract ends in May.
"This experience has taught Jimmy that unless they offer him a hefty sum, he might not be sticking around with ABC once his contract expires," a source revealed to the Mirror.
Kimmel’s future at ABC remains uncertain, with his return coming as a form of protest and a way to ensure his team isn't left in limbo.
There’s also a strong possibility that Kimmel will express his anger during tonight’s broadcast.
"The last week has made his balls bigger, not smaller," an insider told the Daily Mail.
"I expect him to come out swinging and I think everyone here does."
The source suggests that Kimmel could address the controversy head-on, possibly criticizing ABC’s decision or even calling out the network’s handling of the situation.
Sinclair Broadcast Group Refuses to Air Jimmy Kimmel Live!
While ABC is moving forward with Kimmel’s return, another major broadcaster, Sinclair Broadcast Group, has taken a strong stance against airing the show.
Sinclair, which owns a large number of ABC affiliate stations, announced that it will preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its affiliates, replacing it with news programming.
This comes in the wake of Kimmel’s controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk, which Sinclair deemed "inappropriate and deeply insensitive."
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in a statement.
The broadcaster has demanded that Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and make a donation to Turning Point USA, the conservative nonprofit co-founded by Kirk.
Sinclair’s refusal to air the show represents a significant roadblock for Kimmel’s return, as the network reaches a large portion of the ABC audience.