Jimmy Kimmel Live will return to ABC on Tuesday after a temporary suspension that followed backlash to host Jimmy Kimmel’s on-air comments. Several major ABC affiliates — led by Sinclair Broadcast Group — say they will preempt the returning episode while discussions with ABC continue.
Jimmy Kimmel Live Return Announcement
ABC and parent company Disney announced the suspension of production for Jimmy Kimmel Live was lifted and that new episodes would resume on Tuesday. The network paused the show after controversy over Kimmel’s monologue; Disney said talks with the host had taken place before the decision to resume.
Network leaders framed the temporary pause as a way to cool tensions and review internal steps; production staff were guaranteed pay during the pause as talks continued. The quick turnaround — six days between the pull and the return announcement — turned the story into a national media flashpoint.
Sinclair Refuse to Air
Major ABC affiliate owners pushed back: Sinclair Broadcast Group publicly said it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live on its ABC stations when the show returns, replacing the slot with local news programming while “discussions with ABC” continue. Sinclair reiterated demands for an apology and other remedial steps.
This move affects dozens of markets where Sinclair owns ABC affiliates and reduces the show’s reach in those areas — an affiliate-level stand that is unusual but legally within local station discretion. Nexstar and other affiliate owners have made independent decisions that vary by group.
Public reaction & industry impact
Celebrities, legal experts and politicians quickly weighed in, with commentary split between free-speech defenders and critics who called Kimmel’s remarks inappropriate given ongoing investigations. First Amendment scholars have since discussed whether the FCC or affiliates can or should influence content in this way.
Industry impact could include advertiser scrutiny, affiliate negotiations and renewed attention on how late-night hosts handle sensitive news. The dispute also revived conversations about affiliate leverage over network programming
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What to expect on Tuesday
ABC will air the resumed episode in most markets where affiliates choose not to preempt.
Sinclair markets will show local news or alternate programming in the Kimmel time slot while talks with ABC continue.
The host is expected to address the controversy in some form on the return episode, though network sources said a direct apology was not guaranteed.
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key facts
Jimmy Kimmel Live’s suspension lasted six days before ABC announced the show’s return.
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it will preempt the show on its ABC affiliates pending formal discussions.
The dispute centers on Kimmel’s remarks and affiliate owners’ demands for accountability, including a possible apology and donations.
