ABC reinstates Jimmy Kimmel's show even as host stays unapologetic over Charlie Kirk remarks

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Jimmy Kimmel is reportedly returning to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, after being pulled from the air over controversial remarks about Charlie Kirk.

However, the nation's largest owner of ABC affiliate stations is refusing to broadcast his show, citing Kimmel's ongoing refusal to apologize for his inflammatory and false claim about Kirk’s alleged killer. Read on for insider details from sources familiar with the situation.

What did the source claim about Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC?

Sources familiar with the matter told The Post that Jimmy Kimmel, who earns $15 million a year as ABC’s late-night host, personally negotiated his return to television with Walt Disney Co CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden.

Kimmel is expected to address the controversy during his Tuesday night monologue, though he won’t issue a direct apology, the sources said.

However, viewers in dozens of markets won’t see the episode. Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns a large number of ABC affiliate stations, announced Monday night that it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! and will instead replace it with news programming.

“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” the company said in a statement. “Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.”

Turning Point USA praises decision to block Jimmy Kimmel

Turning Point USA responded on X, praising Sinclair for blocking Jimmy Kimmel from airing on its 31 ABC affiliates.

“Good for @WeAreSinclair,” the group posted. “Reminder, Kimmell has yet to apologize for saying the assassin was MAGA, and he was reportedly going to double down. He’s an unrepentant liar, and affiliates have every right to demand accountability.”

Sinclair had previously called on Kimmel to apologize to Charlie Kirk’s family and commit to donating to Turning Point USA, the conservative group Kirk founded. Meanwhile, Nexstar Media Group, the other major owner of ABC affiliate stations, has not confirmed whether it will air 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' on Tuesday. 

Both Sinclair and Nexstar were instrumental in pressuring ABC to pull Kimmel from the air following his September 15 monologue about Kirk’s killing.

In a statement released, Disney said it suspended Kimmel last Wednesday “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” describing some of his remarks as “ill-timed and thus insensitive.”

Kimmel’s suspension came after he alleged during his monologue that Charlie Kirk was killed by fellow Trump supporters, a claim that contradicts official reports indicating the alleged shooter held left-wing views.

What exactly Disney and Jimmy Kimmel agreed on to secure his return to the airwaves remains unclear. The company has not revealed whether the negotiations included revised contract terms or a possible donation to Charlie Kirk’s organization. While reports indicate those issues were central to the talks, no confirmed details have been released.

Kimmel is currently under contract with ABC through May 2026, following a three-year extension signed in 2022. He reportedly earns between $15 million and $16 million annually, with bonuses potentially pushing his total compensation above $20 million.

Disney now finds itself caught in the crossfire. On one side, conservatives are outraged by Kimmel’s controversial remarks and his refusal to apologize. On the other hand, liberals are criticizing the company for appearing to cave to political pressure from FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and other pro-Trump figures.

Internet reacts to reports of Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC

As reports surfaced about Jimmy Kimmel’s return after being pulled from the show, many internet users were quick to share their reactions online.

One user wrote, "But for how long? Are the affiliates who threatened to pull the show still pulling the show?  If yes, who's the audience?  Have the economics changed?"

One enraged user said, "Kimmel hasn't been funny in years. He's no longer a comedian, he's a political activist now. I want a list of what companies are advertising during his show? I want to know what companies to avoid."

A user mocked, "No worries about coming back, he will alienate half his audience and no one will watch after the first week.  late night TV is owned by Gutfeld.  eventually you will see all late night TV shows offering a similar script as Gutfeld." A comment read, "Bravo, Disney. Nothing screams strength like crawling back to Jimmy Kimmel. Truly a groundbreaking move in the art of corporate weakness."

A social media user shared, "His contract is up in early 2026. Let’s hope they opt NOT to renew. I’m so sick of this dude. And I don’t even watch him! What a terrible decision. They had an opportunity to replace him with someone actually funny who could bring back the audience Kimmel long lost." A person suggested, "Let’s keep calling the affiliates to let them know this is unacceptable behavior by a broadcaster."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.