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Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC affiliate stations starting Friday (September 26). This decision follows a suspension of the show due to comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sinclair had initially removed the show, citing the remarks as "inappropriate and deeply insensitive."
"Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience. We take seriously our responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities, while also honoring our obligations to air national network programming," Sinclair said in a statement.
The controversy began when Kimmel made a monologue that some viewed as offensive, leading to Sinclair and Nexstar, which together own a significant number of ABC affiliates, to preempt the show. Nexstar has not yet decided to lift its ban, affecting viewers in major markets like Washington, D.C., and Seattle. The decision to resume airing comes after discussions with ABC, as Sinclair aims to balance local programming interests with national obligations.
Disney, which owns ABC, had suspended Kimmel's show, describing his comments as "ill-timed and insensitive." The suspension sparked a national debate on free speech and media censorship, with many celebrities supporting Kimmel. The show's return coincides with a price increase on Disney's streaming services.