Late-night television faced a surprising shake-up this week when ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be removed from its schedule. The decision followed heavy criticism of Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, and by September 17, the network confirmed the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” In its place, ABC said reruns of Steve Harvey’s Celebrity Family Feud would temporarily occupy the time slot.
The announcement sparked immediate reactions across the broadcasting industry. ABC affiliates received urgent internal memos, and major partners quickly followed with their own actions. Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest local broadcaster, stated it would no longer carry the program on its ABC stations. Sinclair Broadcast Group soon followed, announcing it would replace the show with a tribute program.
The timing of the decision added to the drama, coming just days after the 77th Emmy Awards, which had celebrated Hollywood’s top talent. What began as a week of recognition and glamour quickly became a significant crisis for ABC and its late-night lineup. Kimmel, a network fixture since 2003, was later seen meeting with his legal team in Los Angeles, fueling speculation about his next steps.
For now, Celebrity Family Feud reruns will fill the gap, but ABC has not confirmed whether Kimmel will return or if a permanent replacement will be announced. The uncertainty has left viewers and industry insiders alike awaiting clarity on the future of one of television’s most recognizable late-night shows.
