Jimmy Kimmel’s TV Return Stalled as Sinclair Refuses to Air Show

Jimmy Kimmel’s television comeback has hit a major hurdle after Sinclair Broadcasting Group, a key ABC affiliate operator, confirmed it would not air his late-night programme despite ABC reversing its earlier suspension.

Kimmel, 57, faced temporary suspension last week after controversial remarks made during a monologue on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in response to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While ABC and its parent company Disney have since reinstated the show, Sinclair – which owns a number of ABC stations across the United States – announced it would continue to block its broadcast.

ABC Reverses Its Suspension

ABC and Disney initially suspended production, citing the need to avoid inflaming tensions at “an emotional moment for our country”. However, after discussions with Kimmel, the network announced his return to air on Tuesday evening.

In a statement, ABC said:
“Last 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 Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

Sinclair Stands Firm

Sinclair, which has historic ties to Donald Trump and conservative politics, has doubled down on its refusal to air the show.

“Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be pre-empting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming,” said Jason Smith, Vice Chairman of Sinclair.

He added: “Mr Kimmel’s remarks were inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country. Broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities.”

The group has demanded a direct apology from Kimmel to the Kirk family and a personal donation to Turning Point USA before reconsidering its position.

Political and Broadcasting Backdrop

Sinclair owns 38 ABC affiliates, including WJLA in Washington, meaning viewers in the US capital – home to the White House – will be unable to watch the show. The broadcaster instead aired a special tribute to Kirk in the Jimmy Kimmel Live! slot on Friday.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of Donald Trump, was fatally shot while addressing students in Utah. Kimmel initially offered condolences to the family but later criticised what he described as attempts by “the MAGA gang” to politicise the tragedy.

His remarks drew sharp backlash from conservative circles and contributed to the initial suspension of his programme.

Sinclair’s ongoing decision underlines the continuing tension between national broadcasters and local affiliates, with calls for regulatory intervention from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also gaining momentum.