ABC, owned by Walt Disney, announced the indefinite suspension of the show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” following backlash over remarks made by host Jimmy Kimmel in response to Charlie Kirk’s assassination. This decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s previous calls for broadcasters to remove objectionable content, putting pressure on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take action.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed the indefinite pre-emption of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” without providing further details, while Kimmel’s contract is set to expire in May 2026. Citytv, owned by Rogers Communications, holds the Canadian broadcasting rights for the late-night program.
Audience members waiting outside the theater for a taping of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” were caught off guard when they were informed of the show’s sudden cancellation. Actor-comedian Wanda Sykes expressed disappointment through an Instagram video after learning about the abrupt suspension on the day she was scheduled to appear on the show.
Nexstar Media Group, a major television and media company, announced it would cease airing the show on its 32 ABC affiliates due to Kimmel’s controversial comments regarding Charlie Kirk’s death. Similarly, Sinclair Broadcast Group, owner of around 40 ABC affiliates, declared they would air a tribute to Kirk in place of Kimmel’s show on Friday and called for a substantial donation from Kimmel to Kirk’s organization.
President Trump commended ABC’s decision on his social media platform and criticized Kimmel’s talent and ratings, suggesting that other late-night hosts, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, should also be removed from their network. The move to suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” was met with mixed reactions, with unions like the Writers Guild of America West and SAG-AFTRA condemning the decision as an attack on free speech.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show, hinting at potential investigations and penalties for stations airing content deemed inappropriate. Trump-appointed Carr aligned with the President’s concerns about media bias and celebrated the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in July, indicating similar actions against Kimmel in the future.