Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback on ABC hit a major roadblock before it even aired. Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Monday that its ABC affiliates won’t be airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” when the show returns this Tuesday. Instead, the network plans to fill the late-night slot with news programming, leaving Kimmel’s return in limbo for millions of viewers.
The move is a blow for Disney, which confirmed it would bring the late-night talk show back after suspending Kimmel last week. The suspension came after the host faced intense backlash for comments about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had suggested the alleged killer was connected to the “MAGA gang,” a remark widely criticized as inappropriate.
“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” the broadcast group posted on X, adding that discussions with ABC are ongoing. Sinclair, which has the largest number of ABC affiliate stations in the country, also owns WJLA-TV, a flagship station in Washington, D.C.
Tensions Between Disney and Sinclair
Kimmel’s return was hammered out with top Disney executives, including CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, sources told The Post. The late-night host, who earns around $15 million per year, is expected to address his controversial remarks in his Tuesday monologue. However, sources say he will stop short of issuing a full apology to Kirk’s family.
Disney described Kimmel’s comments as “ill-timed and thus insensitive,” saying the suspension was meant “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country.” The backlash escalated quickly, with Sinclair demanding a direct apology from the host and a donation to Turning Point USA, the conservative organization co-founded by Kirk.
“Mr. Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” Vice Chairman Jason Smith said in a statement following the suspension.
Impact on Viewers and Affiliates
The preemption by Sinclair leaves questions about other ABC affiliates. Nexstar, which operates 32 ABC stations, has yet to announce whether it will also skip Kimmel’s show. Combined, Sinclair and Nexstar affiliates cover roughly a quarter of ABC’s household reach, making their decisions a significant obstacle for the network.
For viewers in Sinclair markets, the late-night schedule will feature local and national news instead of Kimmel’s familiar comedic monologues. The decision could dampen Disney’s hopes for a smooth return, especially as Kimmel tries to navigate the backlash without alienating his audience further.
Kimmel Faces a Delicate Comeback
Returning to air after a high-profile suspension is never easy, and Kimmel faces a delicate balancing act. His audience expects humor, but his remarks about Kirk have drawn national criticism. Sources say Kimmel plans to address the controversy on Tuesday without a full apology, signaling he will stand by some of his comments while trying to move past the situation.
Meanwhile, Sinclair’s firm stance highlights the tension between conservative-leaning media and network programming decisions. With the company controlling a major slice of ABC’s reach, it has the power to influence what millions of Americans see on prime-time television.
As discussions continue between Disney and Sinclair, the fate of Kimmel’s late-night return remains uncertain. One thing is clear: his comeback will not play out the way ABC originally planned, at least not in all markets.
What’s Next for Late-Night Fans?
For now, late-night viewers in Sinclair markets will have to wait to see Kimmel’s return—or catch it online. The preemption leaves open questions about how other affiliates will respond and whether Disney will make additional moves to appease the network’s partners.
Kimmel’s situation serves as a reminder of how quickly public controversy can ripple through media. Even established shows with loyal audiences face real consequences when comments spark national debate. His return Tuesday will test whether audiences are ready to laugh again—or if the backlash will continue to shadow the show.
