'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' to Resume Tuesday After Charlie Kirk Dispute, Excluding Sinclair Stations

The Walt Disney Company has announced that late-night show host Jimmy Kimmel will return to ABC on Tuesday, following a suspension of his show last week. The suspension came after Kimmel made comments critical of Republicans and President Donald Trump in the aftermath of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. However, Kimmel's show will not be carried by affiliate stations operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Disney stated that the decision to reinstate Kimmel's show came after discussions with the host. The company had initially suspended the show to prevent further tension during a sensitive time for the country, noting that some of Kimmel's comments were deemed ill-timed and insensitive.

The move to bring back Kimmel's show follows criticism from prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama, Hollywood stars, and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Sinclair Broadcast Group announced that it will preempt Kimmel's show on its ABC affiliate stations, replacing it with news programming. The company controls 39 ABC-affiliated stations across the country.

Kimmel's return has been supported by his late-night host colleagues, who viewed the show's suspension as censorship. The host's comments last week included criticism of the Trump administration and remarks on the murder of Charlie Kirk. Disney's stock rose briefly after the news of Kimmel's return before stabilizing in after-hours trading. Kimmel's suspension came shortly after FCC chairman Brendan Carr hinted at potential action against the show. ABC, Nexstar, and Sinclair all announced the suspension in response.