Stephen Colbert celebrates Jimmy Kimmel's return to air: 'Our long national late-nightmare is over'
WASHINGTON, DC: Stephen Colbert, host of CBS’ 'The Late Show,' celebrated the return of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to ABC on September 22, calling it “wonderful news” for his friend and late-night colleague.
Kimmel’s show had been temporarily suspended following comments he made about the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
Stephen Colbert reacts to the return of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
On Monday, September 22, Colbert opened the latest edition of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' by saying, “We do, like, 160 of these a year or something, and when I have the chance, it's always nice to start the show with some good news."
“Well, just a few hours before we taped this broadcast, we got word that our long national late-nightmare is over, because Disney announced that 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will return to air on ABC tomorrow, Tuesday night. Come on! Wonderful news for my dear friend Jimmy and his amazing staff,” he said.
Disney explains suspension and reinstatement of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
Kimmel’s show was temporarily pulled by ABC on Wednesday, September 17, after his comments on the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. In a statement, Disney said it initially suspended production “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.”
The network noted that Kimmel’s remarks were “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” but added that after “thoughtful conversations” with the host, the decision was made to bring the show back. 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' will resume broadcasting on Tuesday, September 23.
Stephen Colbert calls Jimmy Kimmel’s removal ‘blatant censorship’
Colbert, who had previously labeled Kimmel’s removal a form of “blatant censorship,” voiced support for his friend and staff. “This is weak. This is blatant censorship,” Colbert said on his September 18 show.
The suspension came amid Nexstar Media’s $6.2 billion acquisition of rival broadcaster Tegna, a move that would put the company in 80% of US households. Nexstar objected to Kimmel’s comments and replaced the show in ABC-affiliated markets.
The incident drew national attention, with FCC Chair Brendan Carr praising Nexstar for challenging Disney programming. President Donald Trump also weighed in on Truth Social, describing Kimmel’s hiatus as a firing and criticizing his talent and ratings.
