ABC has indefinitely removed “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its broadcast schedule following Republican backlash against Kimmel’s remarks regarding right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk’s killer. The suspension was revealed just before the filming of the next episode, casting uncertainty on the show’s future. An ABC representative confirmed the indefinite pre-emption, while Nexstar Media Group’s ABC-affiliated stations will refrain from airing the show due to objections to Kimmel’s comments on Kirk’s death.
Although ABC has not officially articulated the reason for the suspension, pressure from the Trump administration appears to play a significant role. FCC chairman Brendan Carr accused Kimmel of misrepresenting the motives of Kirk’s killer and urged ABC to take action. Carr denounced Kimmel’s monologue in which he joked about Republican responses to Kirk’s death, implying that the killer did not have right-leaning views, a sentiment that conservatives found unfavorable.
Carr suggested the FCC might revoke ABC’s broadcasting privileges, as it grants licenses that can be rescinded if networks fail to serve the public good. He indicated that Kimmel’s termination and a public apology could be seen as minimal corrective measures, with the FCC contemplating further steps.
President Donald Trump, who has called for ABC to have its license revoked due to bias, celebrated Kimmel’s suspension on Truth Social, advocating for similar actions against other talk shows. Kimmel has not publicly addressed the suspension but has expressed sympathies to Kirk’s family and criticized Trump’s stance on cancel culture.
FCC member Anna Gomez condemned the Trump administration’s pressure on ABC, warning against the use of governmental authority to stifle lawful expression.
U.S. late-night programs critical of Trump have encountered obstacles, with CBS cancelling “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in July, prompting speculation about appeasing Trump. Trump praised Colbert’s cancellation and hinted that Kimmel would be next. The Trump administration approved a merger between Paramount and Skydance shortly after Colbert’s dismissal, with CBS vowing to shift toward more fact-based journalism. Previously, Trump demanded CBS lose its license following a “60 Minutes” interview, culminating in a $16 million settlement that was scrutinized by advocates for press freedom.