ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Show After Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Remarks

Jimmy Kimmel

Disney’s ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely after Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest owners of U.S. television stations, announced it would pre-empt the late-night program following comments Kimmel made about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

During his Monday night monologue, Kimmel criticized what he described as attempts by the “MAGA gang” to politicize Kirk’s death. Kirk was shot and killed on September 10 during a debate at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested a suspect three days later. Kimmel also mocked former President Donald Trump’s reaction when asked about Kirk’s death, after Trump shifted to discussing a new White House ballroom.

Nexstar said Wednesday it “strongly objects” to Kimmel’s remarks and would replace his show across its ABC affiliates, which include stations in Nashville, Salt Lake City, and New Orleans. Sinclair Broadcast Group, another major station owner with 28 ABC affiliates, later joined in pulling the program, vowing not to reinstate it until “appropriate steps” were taken to ensure broadcast standards.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also weighed in, threatening action against ABC before praising Nexstar’s move, saying local broadcasters have an obligation to uphold community standards. Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for a $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, another major station group, raising questions about whether the pending deal influenced its decision.

The fallout poses significant financial risks for Disney. Nexstar and Sinclair’s refusal to carry Jimmy Kimmel Live! cuts off the program from a large share of its national distribution. The show generated about $76.6 million in advertising revenue in 2024, according to industry trackers, but those earnings are now threatened by shrinking reach and advertiser unease.

Free-speech advocates condemned the suspension. The ACLU called the decision “beyond McCarthyism,” accusing ABC and its affiliates of bowing to political pressure and threats from the Trump administration. Critics argue the move signals how vulnerable traditional media companies have become to political interference, pointing to recent lawsuits Trump has filed against ABC and CBS, both of which ended in costly settlements despite weak legal grounds.

The controversy highlights broader challenges facing late-night television. While past hosts like Johnny Carson avoided overt political commentary, modern late-night programs often thrive on sharp political humor and viral social media clips. Stephen Colbert’s Late Show dominated ratings with a strategy of targeting Trump, but Paramount recently announced its cancellation, fueling speculation the company’s new leadership wants to tone down political commentary.

This is not the first time ABC has faced backlash over late-night content. In 2001, Politically Incorrect host Bill Maher drew fire after controversial remarks about the 9/11 attacks. Though ABC kept the show on air initially, advertisers pulled support, leading to its cancellation in 2002.

Whether Kimmel returns remains unclear, but the suspension underscores growing tensions between political discourse, corporate interests, and broadcast media in today’s polarized climate.