Walt Disney Co., parent of ABC, announced Monday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will resume airing on Tuesday at 11:35 p.m. ET/8:35 p.m. PT, ending a nearly weeklong suspension triggered by host Jimmy Kimmel's controversial monologue on the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The first guest will be California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
ABC's Official Statement
In a statement released Monday afternoon, ABC emphasized internal discussions as key to the reversal:
"Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday."
The network did not address ongoing FCC scrutiny or advertiser pressures directly but noted the crew was paid during the hiatus.
ABC suspended the show "indefinitely" on September 17, citing "viewer concerns," amid threats to affiliates' licenses. The move sparked protests, advertiser boycotts, and criticism from free speech groups like PEN America, which hailed the return as a "vindication."
Disney executives, including CEO Robert A. Iger, reportedly weighed FCC merger approvals and Kimmel's expiring contract amid declining late-night ratings.
Analysts predict a ratings boost for the comeback episode, potentially countering recent viewership dips.
Kimmel has not issued a personal statement yet, but peers like Stephen Colbert have voiced support, framing the saga as a First Amendment test. ABC affiliates, including Nexstar and Sinclair, are expected to air the episode nationwide.