Popular late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been removed from TV schedules indefinitely due to controversial comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the death of Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
One of the largest TV station owners in the US, Nextstar Media, announced the decision late on Wednesday, stating that they would no longer air the show in response to Kimmel’s remarks.
In a statement, a spokesperson mentioned that TV stations associated with the ABC Television Network, owned and partnered with Nextstar, would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” for the foreseeable future, starting with the upcoming show.
The company expressed strong objection to Kimmel’s recent comments about Charlie Kirk’s death and announced plans to replace the show with other programming in ABC-affiliated markets.
The controversy stemmed from Kimmel’s monologue on Monday night, where he discussed Charlie Kirk’s tragic death and criticized the “MAGA gang” for politicizing the incident.
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 during a debate at Utah Valley University. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested three days later and is facing charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and witness tampering.
Following Kimmel’s comments, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr criticized Disney, the parent company, demanding Kimmel be taken off the air, which seems to have been acted upon now.
Reacting to the show’s suspension, Kimmel thanked Nexstar for their decision, emphasizing the importance of broadcasters upholding community standards.
Former President Trump celebrated the show’s cancellation, applauding ABC for their action. The decision has sparked division among Americans, particularly in the context of the ongoing debate surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death.
Disney’s move adds pressure on the media landscape, especially amidst efforts by the White House and FCC to curb free expression protected by the First Amendment.
Trump’s history of legal actions against media outlets for critical remarks has also been noted, highlighting the contentious relationship between the administration and the press.
The decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live” reflects a shift away from political commentary on late-night shows, with Kimmel being the second host in recent months to face cancellation. This trend includes the forthcoming end of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in 2026, marking the conclusion of a long-standing late-night TV era in the US.
