ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air Over Controversial Comments

ABC announced on September 17, 2025, that it is pulling 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' off the air indefinitely following intense backlash over comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision comes amid mounting criticism from both political figures and regulatory authorities, as well as a swift response from major affiliate station groups.

Regulatory and Affiliate Response

The controversy erupted after Kimmel, during his Monday night monologue, suggested that Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Kirk at a Utah college event, may have ties to pro-Trump MAGA supporters. His remarks were quickly condemned by Nexstar Media Group, which owns a significant number of ABC affiliate stations across the United States. Nexstar announced it would preempt 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' for the foreseeable future, citing the comments as 'offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse.' The company emphasized that continuing to air the show was not in the public interest and would be replaced with alternative programming in its markets.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also weighed in, with Chairman Brendan Carr warning that ABC's broadcast license could be at risk if the network failed to address the situation. Carr's comments, made during a podcast appearance, underscored the regulatory pressure facing ABC and its affiliates, further intensifying the urgency of the network's response.

Political and Public Reaction

The decision to pull the show has drawn reactions from across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, a frequent target of Kimmel's satire, celebrated the move on social media, calling it 'great news for America' and commending ABC for its action. In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision, framing it as a dangerous precedent for free speech and accusing political opponents of orchestrating censorship.

Media analysts have noted the unprecedented nature of the move, with network affiliates dropping a late-night program over the political views expressed by its host. The situation has drawn comparisons to past instances of broadcast censorship but is seen as particularly significant given the current polarized climate.

Uncertain Future for 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

As of Thursday, it remains unclear whether Jimmy Kimmel will return to the air or if the show will be permanently canceled. ABC has stated that it 'strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk' and that affiliate programming will fill the time slot for the foreseeable future. The network has not provided further details on the show's long-term status or any potential disciplinary action against Kimmel himself.

The incident has sparked a broader debate about the boundaries of political commentary on broadcast television and the responsibilities of networks and their affiliates in managing controversial content. Observers are watching closely to see how ABC, its parent company Disney, and the wider media industry respond to the fallout from this high-profile controversy.