ABC has suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely following controversial comments the late-night host made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
The network announced on Wednesday, September 17, that the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely” after Kimmel made remarks during his Tuesday monologue about Kirk’s assassination. The suspension came after major station owner Nexstar, which operates 28 ABC affiliates, announced it would no longer air the program.
During his September 16 show, Kimmel criticized attempts to characterize the suspected shooter as anything other than a supporter of the MAGA movement. The host’s comments came after authorities charged Tyler Robinson, 22, in Kirk’s killing in Utah.
Kimmel said, “We 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 and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”
Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, indicated that Kimmel’s comments were offensive and insensitive during a critical time in national political discourse. Alford stated that the remarks did not reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities where Nexstar stations operate. The company determined that continuing to provide Kimmel a broadcast platform was not in the public interest.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr had threatened action against ABC affiliates following Kimmel’s remarks. Carr urged local broadcasters to stop airing the show on Disney-owned ABC, warning about potential license revocation risks if stations continued running content that constituted a pattern of news distortion.
The FCC chair praised Nexstar’s decision, noting that local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest. Carr expressed hope that other broadcasters would follow Nexstar’s lead in pushing back on Disney programming that falls short of community values.
According to Utah County Attorney Jeffrey Gray, Robinson’s mother reported that her son had become more political and started leaning left, becoming more supportive of gay and transgender rights. When Robinson’s father asked why he committed the act, the suspect explained that there was too much evil and that Kirk spread too much hate.
The controversy escalated after Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated on “Meet the Press” that there was clearly a leftist ideology with the assassin. Robinson was raised in a conservative family, and his political shift had created tension with his father.
Carr called Kimmel’s comments some of the sickest conduct possible during an appearance on Benny Johnson’s podcast. The FCC chair suggested there were avenues for the commission to take action and warned that companies could either change their conduct voluntarily or face additional FCC scrutiny.
Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, criticized Carr’s approach on social media. She argued that an inexcusable act of political violence by one disturbed individual should never be exploited as a justification for broader censorship and control. Gomez warned that the administration was increasingly using government power to suppress lawful expression, not because it glorified violence, but because it challenged those in power.
The suspension affects Nexstar stations primarily in small and midsize markets, though they include ABC affiliates in New Orleans and Salt Lake City. The decision comes as Nexstar seeks FCC approval for its $6.2 billion deal to acquire TEGNA, which would make it the largest owner of local television stations in the country.
Sources familiar with the situation indicated that ABC had heard from at least one other station group about the show, suggesting that an affiliate revolt may have influenced the network’s decision to suspend the program indefinitely.
The FCC’s website notes that the agency has limited legal authority over broadcast content, citing provisions of the Communications Act that prohibit the commission from exercising censorship powers over broadcast communications. The agency typically launches investigations after receiving complaints from viewers or advocacy groups.
Carr has used his position to initiate investigations into broadcasters who have drawn criticism from President Trump, with their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies being the most frequent focus. He has also sent letters regarding certain programming, and the FCC’s probe into last year’s CBS 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris is still ongoing.
Appearing on FOX News’ Hannity on Wednesday after the announcement of Kimmel’s suspension, Carr remarked that late-night TV has taken a troubling turn. He said these shows have shifted from aiming for laughs to seeking applause, moving from playful jesters who poked fun at all those in power to acting like court priests promoting a rigid political agenda.
On Wednesday evening, Sinclair, the largest owner of ABC stations—including the one in Washington, D.C.—announced that it will air a tribute to Kirk during Jimmy Kimmel’s timeslot on Friday.
Sinclair also urged Kimmel to issue an apology to the Kirk family and stated it would not broadcast his show, even if ABC reinstates it, until formal discussions are held with ABC about the network’s dedication to professionalism and accountability.
Representatives for Kimmel and ABC have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the suspension or the timeline for any potential return of the show to the airwaves.
