{"id":2043742,"date":"2025-09-23T13:59:07","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2043742"},"modified":"2025-09-23T13:59:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:59:07","slug":"jimmy-kimmels-big-return-crumbles-as-affiliates-rebel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/jimmy-kimmels-big-return-crumbles-as-affiliates-rebel\/","title":{"rendered":"Jimmy Kimmel\u2019s Big Return Crumbles As Affiliates Rebel"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-article-body=\"true\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/theblast.com\/tag\/jimmy-kimmel\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jimmy Kimmel;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Jimmy Kimmel<\/strong><\/a> is set to return to late night, but not everyone will see him.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Disney announced that \u201c<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/theblast.com\/tag\/jimmy-kimmel-live\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Jimmy Kimmel Live!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><strong>Jimmy Kimmel Live!<\/strong><\/a>\u201d will be back on Tuesday, but nearly 40 ABC stations owned by Sinclair Inc. have refused to air it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The late-night host, suspended last week after controversial comments about Charlie Kirk\u2019s death, is now caught in a bigger fight. While Disney is bringing him back, affiliates are rebelling, raising new questions about his future.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Sinclair Blocks Jimmy Kimmel In Nearly 40 Cities<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Jeffrey Mayer\/JTMPhotos, Int&#8217;l. \/ MEGA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Disney says Jimmy Kimmel is returning, but Sinclair Inc. isn\u2019t backing down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The broadcaster owns dozens of ABC affiliates across the country and confirmed it will not air the show.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Instead, those stations will replace it with local news. In their statement, Sinclair explained in a statement per the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk\/media\/article-15124189\/Jimmy-Kimmel-comeback-derailed-major-blow.html\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" data-ylk=\"slk:Daily Mail;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas\" class=\"link \"><em>Daily Mail<\/em><\/a>, \u201cBeginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show\u2019s potential return.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">This means viewers in almost 40 major markets won\u2019t see the comedian\u2019s comeback.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sinclair\u2019s biggest station, WJLA in Washington, D.C., makes the decision even more powerful, as it cuts off access for politicians, journalists, and even Donald Trump himself.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sinclair made it clear that the suspension will not be lifted until \u201cformal discussions\u201d are held with ABC about the network\u2019s \u201cprofessionalism and accountability,\u201d setting the stage for a long standoff.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">The Controversy That Sparked His Suspension<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Jimmy Kimmel at World Premiere Of Amazon Studios' And Skydance Media's 'Air'\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1441\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/Idg5uHvWxDnhDk96JHC9gQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDE7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/theblast_73\/b0212b0561d6278c89553867d04eb8da\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>Xavier Collin\/Image Press Agency\/MEGA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">As <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/news\/articles\/jimmy-kimmel-suffers-major-blow-233020683.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Blast;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">The Blast<\/a> reported, Jimmy Kimmel\u2019s problems began with his comments last Monday about Kirk\u2019s killing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">On his show, the 57-year-old said, \u201cWe hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He then showed a clip of Trump and made jokes about his mourning process, which many saw as disrespectful.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Just two days later, FCC commissioner Brendan Carr called the remarks \u201cinsensitive at a critical moment for our country.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">He also suggested that a direct apology was the \u201cminimal step\u201d needed to move forward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Soon after, more than a dozen ABC affiliates told Disney they would not air the show until action was taken.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The backlash prompted Disney and ABC executives to suspend Kimmel\u2019s show indefinitely, in an effort to calm the situation.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Disney Defends Bringing Jimmy Kimmel Back<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Jimmy Kimmel at the Heart of Rock and Roll on Broadway\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1237\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/XCQfrQt6HGBSDyHrWVJNeA--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTEyMzc7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/theblast_73\/79e57febfa5f03416dde0411b5e2e8fd\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>ZUMAPRESS.com \/ MEGA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">After a tense week, Disney announced on September 22 that Kimmel would return the following day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a statement per <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.yahoo.com\/entertainment\/tv\/articles\/abc-lifts-jimmy-kimmel-suspension-201551413.html\" data-ylk=\"slk:The Blast;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;outcm:mb_qualified_link;_E:mb_qualified_link;ct:story;\" class=\"link  yahoo-link\">The Blast<\/a>, the company explained, \u201cLast Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The network admitted the \u201cSmurfs\u201d star\u2019s words were \u201cill-timed and insensitive\u201d but gave no details about whether he will issue an apology.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The decision was made by top executives, including Dana Walden and Bob Iger, who had also approved his earlier suspension.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Political Reactions To Jimmy Kimmel\u2019s Return<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Jimmy Kimmel at Oscars 2024\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"1440\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/gH9jfdBP0l7hXXOzknhmyQ--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTE0NDA7Y2Y9d2VicA--\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/theblast_73\/8842639f9c637db8fc17d8ba5664b561\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>MEGA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Kimmel\u2019s comeback has sparked reactions across the political world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Conservatives voiced anger, saying the suspension was too short. Megyn Kelly wrote, \u201cMust be nice to be a leftist. \u2018Cancellation\u2019 lasts 5 nights and you\u2019re right back under klieg lights. On the right you\u2019re underground.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Conservative commentator Matt Walsh added that liberals exaggerate free speech issues while ignoring serious consequences faced by conservatives.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Also, celebrity.land\u2019s Scott Jennings said Disney suspended Kimmel only because he was \u201can insensitive pr*ck,\u201d and argued that it wasn\u2019t an attack on free speech.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Liberals, however, praised the decision. Congressman Zohran Mamdani called it \u201ca victory for free speech,\u201d saying Disney had found its backbone.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">California Governor Gavin Newsom also praised the move, thanking \u201ceveryone but @BrendanCarrFCC.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Journalist Billy Binion noted that Carr\u2019s actions may have backfired, writing, \u201cBrendan Carr turned Jimmy Kimmel into a martyr. His ratings were sinking. Now a lot of people are talking about &amp; rooting for a comic whom they previously did not care about at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Sinclair Doubles Down With New Demands<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Jimmy Kimmel\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/w0GW.6hmiL7tcjwzfTMsbw--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/theblast_73\/565e63d1419d4585f0adc0a1a0c1fde1\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p>MEGA<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Even with Disney bringing Jimmy Kimmel back, Sinclair has made its stance clear. The broadcaster is demanding more than just talks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a statement, Vice Chairman Jason Smith explained, \u201cMr. Kimmel\u2019s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sinclair has called for a direct apology to Kirk\u2019s family and a personal donation to Turning Point USA, the conservative group Kirk founded.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Without those steps, Sinclair insists Jimmy Kimmel Live! will remain off their airwaves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late night, but not everyone will see him. Disney announced that \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d will be back on Tuesday, but nearly 40 ABC stations owned by Sinclair Inc. have refused to air it. The late-night host, suspended last week after controversial comments about Charlie Kirk\u2019s death, is now [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2037734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[374395,340116,23301,22389,23060,376372],"class_list":["post-2043742","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-abc-affiliates","tag-charlie-kirk","tag-disney","tag-donald-trump","tag-jimmy-kimmel","tag-sinclair"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jimmy-Kimmels-ABC-Future-In-Jeopardy-Long-Before-Charlie-Kirk.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043742","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2043742"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2043742\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2037734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2043742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2043742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2043742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}