The rollercoaster around Jimmy Kimmel’s return to TV has taken another shocking turn.
Disney announced that the late-night host would be making a big comeback — but now, major ABC affiliates across the country are refusing to air his show.
Celeb’s criticized the decision
The killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk has sent shockwaves across the U.S., impacting everyday Americans, politicians, and major TV networks alike.
For example, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show was abruptly pulled off the air indefinitely following a firestorm over remarks he made regarding the shocking and highly publicized death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments, also included reflections on Donald Trump’s response to the murder.
As a result, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! ‘indefinitely’.
The move divided opinion — some applauded it, while many celebs criticized it as an attack on free speech.
But on Monday, Disney announced Kimmel would be back on air. The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, said in a statement on September 22:
”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.”
Isn’t playing along
But the comeback isn’t going as planned.
Sinclair Inc., the company that operates local ABC affiliates, isn’t playing along. Known for its conservative stance, the company has faced criticism for making programming decisions that appear to push a conservative political agenda.
Now, they announced they will preempt Kimmel’s show in nearly 40 major TV markets, replacing it with local news programming instead.
”Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return,” the company said.
Three demands
A preemption is when affiliate owners replace national programming with their own content. Sinclair made it clear that Kimmel’s show won’t return to their air until several conditions are met.
The company stated they want “formal discussions… with ABC regarding the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.” They also called on Kimmel to “issue a direct apology to the Kirk family” and make a “meaningful personal donation” to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA.
”Regardless of ABC’s plans for the future of the program, Sinclair intends not to return Jimmy Kimmel Live! to our air until we are confident that appropriate steps have been taken to uphold the standards expected of a national broadcast platform,” the company added.
For now, Jimmy Kimmel’s much-anticipated comeback is stuck in limbo, leaving late-night viewers wondering if the host’s return will ever reach their screens.
