'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Returns on ABC, but Sinclair and Nexstar Refuse to Air Show Without Apology

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is set to return to ABC this Tuesday after a brief suspension, but some of the network's largest affiliates are refusing to air the show.

Jimmy Kimmel is back on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" this Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after a brief suspension over jokes about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Disney, ABC's parent company, said the suspension was due to comments it deemed "ill-timed and thus insensitive." The network added, "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."

Kimmel's sudden hiatus stirred nationwide debate over free speech, especially after threats from the federal TV regulator to revoke ABC's broadcast license.

Former President Donald Trump welcomed the suspension and suggested some networks should have their licenses revoked for negative coverage of him. He did not comment when asked about Kimmel's return during a White House event on Monday.

Tuesday's episode will feature actor Glen Powell, star of "Twisters" and "Hit Man," according to the show's website.

However, not all viewers will see Kimmel's comeback. Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest ABC affiliate chain in the U.S., announced it will replace the show with news programming across its regional stations.

"Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return," the company said.

Sinclair previously criticized Kimmel's jokes as "inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country" and said it would not lift the suspension without formal talks with ABC.

Nexstar Media, another major station owner, also confirmed last week that it would not air the show "for the foreseeable future" and has yet to comment on Kimmel's reinstatement.

The suspension sparked backlash from critics and First Amendment advocates, who labeled it censorship and a violation of free speech.

Kimmel, host of the late-night show since 2003 and four-time Oscar host, has not publicly addressed the suspension or its fallout.