Jimmy Kimmel made a poignant return to ABC on Tuesday night, greeted by a standing ovation after a brief hiatus that followed a controversial incident. The comedian opened his show with a light-hearted remark about his recent experiences, quipping, “I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours — me, or the CEO of Tylenol.” However, the mood quickly shifted as Kimmel addressed a much more serious topic: the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, the right-wing activist who was killed on September 10.
In an emotionally charged monologue, Kimmel reflected on the impact of Kirk’s death and the surrounding political discourse. “I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to say and do tonight,” he shared, acknowledging the weight of the moment. “And the truth is, I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference … I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind.”
Kimmel emphasized that he never intended to make light of the murder, explaining that he genuinely sent his condolences to Kirk’s family after the news broke. He recognized the upset that some felt regarding his earlier comments about the incident, affirming his intention to approach the topic with sincerity and respect.
Yet, amidst the somber reflections, Kimmel also highlighted the importance of free speech. “This show isn’t important — what’s important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this,” he stated, underlining the vital role of comedic discourse in society. He expressed concern over the repercussions his show might face, especially in light of the political climate, noting that the president “can’t take a joke.” Kimmel urged viewers to stand against any threats to free expression, stating, “We have to speak out against it.”
Kimmel’s return came at a time when tensions were high. Just before his show aired, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his disapproval of Kimmel’s reinstatement, claiming that ABC had initially informed the White House that his show would be canceled. Trump characterized Kimmel’s humor as “not funny” and accused him of jeopardizing the network’s integrity by promoting what he described as “99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
The former president’s comments hinted at potential legal action, asserting that Kimmel’s status as a late-night host constituted a form of campaign contribution to the Democratic Party. Kimmel had been suspended by ABC and Disney after his remarks regarding the suspect involved in Kirk’s murder, which he later criticized on his show as an attempt by some to manipulate the narrative for political gain.
Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, also weighed in on the controversy. He expressed dissatisfaction with Kimmel’s characterization of the murder suspect as a MAGA conservative, warning ABC and Disney to take action against Kimmel or face potential regulatory scrutiny. Carr called on local stations to refuse airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in response to his comments.
In a significant turn of events, Nexstar and Sinclair, two companies operating ABC affiliates across the country, opted to pull Kimmel’s show from their lineups. Following this backlash, ABC announced Kimmel’s indefinite suspension, raising questions regarding the future of his program. Even after ABC indicated that Kimmel would return to his usual time slot, Sinclair and Nexstar maintained their decision to preempt the show, leaving some of Kimmel’s own family unable to watch his return.
As discussions between Kimmel and ABC continue, Sinclair stated it is evaluating the show’s potential return while Nexstar emphasized the need for an environment conducive to “respectful, constructive dialogue” in the markets they serve.
Kimmel’s return to television has sparked a broader conversation about the intersection of comedy, politics, and the rights of creators to express their views without fear of retribution. In a time when free speech faces increasing threats, Kimmel’s insights resonate, reminding audiences of the essential role comedy plays in challenging the status quo and fostering dialogue, even amidst tragedy.
