After days of national controversy, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has returned to late-night television. The much-anticipated Jimmy Kimmel return comes after ABC suspended the show following Kimmel’s remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. The suspension immediately raised questions about Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nexstar Media Group, government pressure, free speech, and Disney’s financial losses.
Fans have been asking: “Is Jimmy Kimmel back?”, “Is Kimmel back on the air everywhere?”, and “What time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight?” The answers are complicated. While ABC reinstated the show, many Sinclair stations and Nexstar ABC affiliates are still preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, leaving audiences uncertain about where and how to watch.
This blog provides a detailed, human-flow breakdown of:
- Why Kimmel was suspended
- The role of Sinclair and Nexstar
- Disney’s financial losses
- Political and Hollywood reactions
- How to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live now
- The broader free speech debate
Why Was Jimmy Kimmel Suspended?
On September 15, 2025, during his monologue, Kimmel criticized conservatives, saying Trump supporters were trying to use Charlie Kirk’s death for political gain. He also implied that accused killer Tyler Robinson was aligned with conservatives. Many found the comments insensitive and inflammatory.
Within hours:
- Nexstar ABC affiliates and Sinclair Broadcast Group stations announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live.
- As Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair broadcasting own hundreds of TV stations, this move significantly cut Kimmel’s reach.
- Disney, the parent of ABC, suspended the show to prevent further escalation.
This left fans wondering: “Did Jimmy Kimmel get his job back?” and “Is Jimmy Kimmel coming back?”
Disney and ABC’s Decision
Disney explained its choice:
“We paused Jimmy Kimmel Live to avoid inflaming tensions at a sensitive moment. After conversations with Jimmy, we reinstated him.”
This sparked another round of questions: “How much money did Disney lose after Kimmel?” Analysts say the suspension likely cost Disney tens of millions in ad revenue, affiliate fees, and even a dip in ABC stock. Search terms like “how much money has Disney lost over Jimmy Kimmel” began trending.
What Time Is Jimmy Kimmel On Tonight?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs on ABC at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT and 10:35 p.m. CT. If you’re asking “What time does Jimmy Kimmel come on?” or “When is Jimmy Kimmel coming back?”, the answer is — tonight, in his regular slot.
However, because of preempting by Sinclair ABC stations and Nexstar TV stations, some viewers won’t find the show on their local ABC channel. In that case, here’s how to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live:
- ABC streaming service (ABC app & website)
- Hulu (next-day streaming)
- Cable/satellite providers not controlled by Sinclair or Nexstar
Jimmy Kimmel Return Episode: Guests & Highlights
The Jimmy Kimmel return date was Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The comeback episode featured:
- Actor Glen Powell
- Singer Olivia Rodrigo (special performance)
- Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan
This mix of Hollywood and music talent was meant to remind audiences that late-night TV is about entertainment as much as commentary.
Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group Explained
A central reason for the ongoing drama is the power of Sinclair and Nexstar:
- Sinclair Broadcast Group owns nearly 200 stations, including many Sinclair ABC stations. Searches like “who owns Sinclair Broadcast Group”, “what stations does Sinclair own”, and “list of Sinclair ABC stations” surged.
- Nexstar Media Group is the largest U.S. local TV operator, with hundreds of Nexstar ABC stations. Viewers wanted to know: “Nexstar Jimmy Kimmel – why isn’t it airing?”
Both companies continue preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live, meaning not all regions will see the show despite ABC’s reinstatement.
Hollywood and Public Reaction
The suspension set off a wave of backlash:
- Over 400 Hollywood celebrities signed a letter defending Kimmel’s free speech.
- Legendary TV producer Norman Lear spoke out in support of Kimmel.
- Protesters gathered outside Disney headquarters demanding “Kimmel reinstated.”
Other late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers, echoed the importance of defending expression, with one calling it a “big moment for American democracy.”
Political Reactions
- Senator Ted Cruz criticized the suspension, saying it’s dangerous for government or corporations to decide acceptable speech.
- Donald Trump, however, mocked Kimmel, calling him a “low-rated host” and praising ABC for suspending him.
- Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary, weighed in, warning of corporate influence on free speech.
The mix of support and criticism ensured that Jimmy Kimmel news remained a trending topic.
Disney’s Financial Hit – How Much Money Did Disney Lose?
Analysts estimate Disney may have lost:
- Millions in advertising revenue
- Affiliate income from Nexstar stations and Sinclair media
- A temporary decline in ABC stock
This fueled searches like “how much did Disney lose after firing Jimmy Kimmel”, “how much money did Disney lose over Jimmy Kimmel”, and “Disney Jimmy Kimmel controversy.”
While Disney didn’t disclose numbers, experts agree the suspension cost the company significantly.
Is Jimmy Kimmel Coming Back for Good?
Yes, Jimmy Kimmel is back and hosting his show. But due to Nexstar stations and Sinclair stations continuing to preempt him, not all fans will see the broadcast on their local ABC channel.
So if you’re asking: “Is Jimmy Kimmel back on the air?” — the answer is yes. But if you rely on Sinclair ABC affiliates or Nexstar ABC affiliates, you may need to use ABC streaming service or Hulu instead.
FAQs: Jimmy Kimmel Return
Q1: Is Jimmy Kimmel coming back?
Yes. Jimmy Kimmel has officially returned to his late-night slot on ABC.
Q2: What time is Jimmy Kimmel on tonight?
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT and 10:35 p.m. CT.
Q3: How to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live if my ABC station is preempting?
You can stream on ABC.com, the ABC app, or watch next-day on Hulu.
Q4: Why is Jimmy Kimmel preempted on some stations?
Because Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group are not airing it on many of their affiliates.
Q5: How much did Disney lose after Kimmel’s suspension?
Estimates suggest tens of millions in ad and affiliate revenue, plus impacts on ABC stock.
Q6: Who owns Sinclair Broadcast Group?
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a publicly traded media company that owns nearly 200 TV stations nationwide.
Q7: Did Jimmy Kimmel get his job back?
Yes, Jimmy Kimmel was reinstated and is back on air.
Conclusion: Kimmel Returns, Debate Continues
The Jimmy Kimmel return is more than a celebrity comeback — it’s a battle over free speech, corporate power, and political influence. While fans are relieved that Kimmel is back on the air, the ongoing preempting by Nexstar and Sinclair broadcast group stations shows the fight is far from over.
As late-night TV continues to blend comedy and politics, the Kimmel reinstated episode will be remembered as a turning point. Whether Disney, ABC, and affiliates can restore stability remains to be seen. For now, one thing is clear: Jimmy Kimmel is back, but the controversy has only just begun.
