Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show back: Nexstar, Sinclair end weeklong blackout; affiliates deny pressure as Disney stays silent

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show is back on air for millions of viewers after Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group ended their blackout of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Friday, closing a dayslong standoff with Disney-owned ABC.

The two broadcasting giants had suspended the show from September 17, citing Kimmel’s comments following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC also suspended Kimmel that day after Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, warned that affiliates could face repercussions if the comedian was not punished.



The program will now resume on Nexstar’s 28 ABC affiliates, including stations in Topeka and New Orleans, and Sinclair’s 38 local markets, spanning from Seattle to Washington DC Kimmel’s suspension lasted less than a week, but viewers in nearly a quarter of ABC’s local affiliate markets were left without the show for just over a week.

Sinclair initially demanded that Kimmel apologise to Kirk’s family and donate to Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Kirk founded. Kimmel, however, did not issue an apology when he returned Tuesday, instead clarifying that “it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man” and acknowledging that some found his remarks “ill-timed or unclear or maybe both.”

Both Sinclair and Nexstar said Friday their decision to end the blackout came after discussions with Disney. Sinclair noted feedback from “viewers, advertisers and community leaders” and pointed to recent violence, including a shooting at a Sacramento station lobby, while reiterating its request for accountability measures such as an ombudsman. Nexstar said it remained committed to “protecting the First Amendment” and serving local communities. Both companies denied being influenced by regulators.

Meanwhile, Disney has made no official comment.

The controversy drew national attention to free speech and political influence in broadcasting. Critics accused Sinclair and Nexstar of censorship, while supporters of Kirk and conservative groups applauded the suspension. Industry analysts said financial pressures also loomed large, as affiliates risked losing revenue if the standoff with Disney continued.

Ahead of his suspension, Kimmel had blasted President Donald Trump and his “MAGA gang” over their response to Kirk’s killing, accusing them of “finger-pointing” and attempts to frame the alleged shooter differently. Those comments angered conservatives and prompted the FCC chairman’s warnings.