ABC has put a halt on the airing of Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following controversial comments made by the host regarding the passing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. No final decision has been reached on the future of the show, with the network insisting that an apology to Kirk’s family is necessary for a potential return.
Reports suggest that Kimmel’s significant $48 million contract with ABC is due to expire in 2026. If not renewed, the show could face termination. While ABC is considering retaining Kimmel as the host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, the fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains uncertain with the possibility of a contract non-renewal or revision.
Kimmel has refrained from addressing the suspension or his remarks made during the show that aired on September 15th. The suspension has sparked backlash from Hollywood figures like Ben Stiller, Jean Smart, and Wanda Sykes, who view it as an infringement on free speech. The controversy led to calls for the show’s removal by Brendan Carr, the Trump-appointed head of the FCC.
Concerns about the future of late-night television have arisen following the sudden suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, happening just moments before the show was set to go on air. This development comes after CBS decided to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert due to remarks made about President Trump, leading to legal actions against media outlets critical of the administration.
In a related context, the Trump administration has been vocal about its stance against what it deems as “hate speech.” Attorney General Pam Bondi has signaled a crackdown on such speech, emphasizing the distinction between free speech and hate speech. Meanwhile, the FCC’s lone Democrat, Anna Gomez, criticized the administration for using governmental power to suppress dissenting views rather than illegal or violent content.
As the late-night TV landscape faces uncertainty, President Trump has called for NBC to consider axing shows hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers. He commended ABC for the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and urged NBC to follow suit, labeling the hosts as “total losers.” The future of late-night programming remains in question amid these developments.