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After a weeklong suspension<\/a> triggered by controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk,\u00a0“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returned to ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 23. But for many Californians, the comeback wasn\u2019t visible \u2014 until now.<\/p>\n In California, Sinclair owns ABC affiliates in\u00a0Eureka (KAEF)\u00a0and\u00a0Chico-Redding (KRCR)\u00a0\u2014 two regions that missed out on Kimmel\u2019s return earlier this week. But starting\u00a0Friday, Sept. 26, both stations will resume airing\u00a0“Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” following Sinclair\u2019s announcement that it had \u201caddressed feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n Two major broadcast groups \u2014\u00a0Sinclair Broadcast Group\u00a0and\u00a0Nexstar Media Group\u00a0\u2014 initially refused to air the show on their ABC affiliates, citing concerns over Kimmel\u2019s comments and a desire to maintain \u201crespectful, constructive dialogue\u201d in their markets. The move sparked backlash from Hollywood and free speech advocates, especially after FCC Chairman\u00a0Brendan Carr\u00a0warned Disney and ABC of potential consequences if they didn\u2019t act.<\/p>\n Nexstar Media Group does not currently own any ABC affiliate stations in California.<\/p>\n Kimmel\u2019s first episode back featured a nearly 18-minute monologue defending free speech<\/a> and clarifying that he never intended to \u201cmake light of\u201d Kirk\u2019s death. He thanked supporters and emphasized the importance of standing up to political pressure.<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong>Now that Jimmy Kimmel is back, here’s how to get tickets to see show<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n California Governor\u00a0Gavin Newsom\u00a0didn\u2019t appear on Kimmel\u2019s return episode \u2014 despite rumors \u2014 but made his stance clear on social media: \u201cThank you to everyone but Brendan Carr. This is a win for free speech everywhere.\u201d Newsom\u2019s comment fueled the debate over political influence in media and the role of local broadcasters in shaping national narratives.<\/p>\n For Californians in Eureka and Chico-Redding,\u00a0“Jimmy Kimmel Live!”\u00a0will once again be available on local ABC stations starting Friday night. For others, the show remains accessible via streaming platforms like\u00a0Hulu,\u00a0Disney+, and\u00a0YouTube TV. The show streams nightly at\u00a08:35 p.m. PST or over the air at 11:35 p.m.<\/p>\nWhat did Jimmy Kimmel say in his comeback show?<\/h2>\n
What has Newsom said about Kimmel’s suspension?<\/h2>\n
How to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’<\/h2>\n