Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return on Tuesday night, resuming its regular slot at 11:35 PM ET (03:35 GMT on Wednesday) on ABC. After an abbreviated hiatus in light of the ensuing controversy, the smash-hit late-night talk-show is resuming production! You might remember the show…it’s now available for streaming on Hulu. We’re looking forward to seeing how Kimmel addresses the fallout from his incendiary comments last week. His comments led to enormous outcry and organized boycotts from large station groups.
The firestorm started when Kimmel recently called for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments infuriated many on both sides of the aisle, including the administration of former President Donald Trump. Consequently, broadcast behemoths Nexstar and Sinclair chose to keep the show off their airwaves. Although strategic, this decision placed the show out of reach for many audiences—nearly 40% of North American markets. The suspension lasted almost a week, but the show is now returning to airwaves.
Impact of the Controversy
This was not a decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! Nexstar and Sinclair’s retransmission standstill imperiled viewers in major markets including Washington, D.C., all of California, and parts of Florida. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago will continue to have access to the show, as Disney owns and operates local affiliates in those areas.
Kimmel’s criticisms of President Trump and his supporters following Kirk’s death sparked outrage among some viewers. He called out the response to Trump’s childish retaliation as “childish,” which made him the target of even more outrage. The entire situation illustrates the tightrope public figures need to walk when they engage on highly politicized, racially sensitive subjects.
Where to Watch
If you’re as pumped as we are to see Jimmy Kimmel Live!, be sure to tune in on ABC. Listen to it on your favorite podcast service. Viewers can watch episodes on Hulu the next day. Or, more likely, they’ll watch clips posted to the Jimmy Kimmel Live! YouTube channel within hours of each episode ending. This accessibility means that fans can still enjoy the content, even if they miss the live broadcast.
In particular, though, we’re excited for Tuesday’s episode with American actor Glen Powell and Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan. Prepare for an incredible series of looks here on the blog later this week! Retired football star Peyton Manning and actor Oscar Nunez of “The Office” fame will appear Thursday, along with musical guest Alex G.
Looking Ahead
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Readying for its comeback. Like other American institutions, it now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust with its audience after rescinding the invitation to Wintour. How Kimmel manages this controversy will be important in restoring viewer trust and willingness to engage.
The show’s resilience will only go so far as it enters an uncharted territory as it continues to steer through the political storm that engulfs its content. The backing of Disney’s local affiliates in major markets may provide a buffer against continued boycotts, but the show’s future may depend on how well Kimmel can manage public perception moving forward.
