Jimmy Kimmel Controversy Timeline: From Suspension to Return
Here is the Jimmy Kimmel controversy timeline in one place. It starts with the Sept. 10 killing of Charlie Kirk in Utah, runs through ABC’s brief suspension, affiliate blackouts, and ends with Kimmel’s return and long monologue last night. I keep it simple, dated, and sourced.
- What is the “Jimmy Kimmel situation”?
- It is the chain of events after Charlie Kirk was shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, Kimmel’s Sept. 15 remarks, ABC’s Sept. 17 suspension, affiliate preemptions, and Kimmel’s Sept. 23 return with a long monologue that addressed free speech and the backlash.
Jimmy Kimmel controversy timeline
| Date (2025) | What happened | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 10 | Charlie Kirk is shot during an event at Utah Valley University and dies. | Authorities charge 22-year-old Tyler Robinson days later; state and federal agencies lead the probe. |
| Sept 15 | Kimmel references the killing in his monologue. | The phrasing sparks backlash that grows online and on cable. |
| Sept 17 | ABC suspends “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” | Same day, Nexstar says it will preempt the show on its ABC stations; Sinclair soon follows. |
| Sept 18–22 | Debate widens over government pressure and free speech. | FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s comments draw criticism; lawmakers send letters; ABC keeps the show paused. |
| Sept 23 (day) | Disney announces Kimmel’s return for that night. | Affiliates Nexstar and Sinclair still plan to preempt in many markets. |
| Sept 23 (night) | Kimmel returns with a long monologue on the controversy. | He clarifies intent, defends satire, and references critics from politics and the FCC. |
| Sept 24 | Ratings and online views surge. | Show hits a 10-year ratings high and tens of millions of views, even with large-market preemptions. |
Network and political reactions
ABC and affiliates
Disney paused the show on Sept. 17 and brought it back on Sept. 23. Nexstar and Sinclair kept preempting in cities like Washington, D.C., Seattle, Nashville, and more while talks continued.
FCC and lawmakers
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said his agency did not force ABC’s hand, after earlier remarks that drew rebukes and oversight letters. The clash became part of the free speech debate around the show.
Industry and public figures
Support came from late night peers and some conservatives who disagree with Kimmel but back his right to speak. The split over affiliates showed how business, politics, and programming collide.
Last night’s monologue: key beats
- He said he did not intend to mock Kirk’s death or blame a group and understood why some heard it that way.
- He condemned violence, thanked supporters across the aisle, and talked about his family receiving threats.
- He argued that political satire is a protected form of speech and criticized pressure on broadcasters.
- He noted the affiliate blackouts and joked about streaming and subscriptions.
- He praised Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness as a model of grace.
What it means and how to watch
The week shows how a late night bit can turn into a national fight over taste, law, and leverage. Even with preemptions, streaming and social reach kept the show in front of a big audience.
If your ABC station preempted the show, watch the monologue on the official “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” channels or next day on Hulu or Disney+. Check local listings for when affiliates resume.
Sources
- Reuters: ratings, view counts, and affiliate preemptions
- AP: Kirk shooting live updates and context
- People: full monologue transcript
- Axios: where Kimmel did not air
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Bottom line
From a few lines in a monologue to a week of backlash, the story moved fast. The return drew big attention on TV and online. I will watch how the affiliate talks land and update this page as facts settle.
FAQs
Why was Jimmy Kimmel suspended?
ABC paused the show after backlash to his Sept. 15 segment about the Kirk killing. The network said the pause would cool a tense moment while it talked with Kimmel.
Did Kimmel apologize?
He expressed regret for how some heard the joke and clarified intent. He did not issue a blanket apology.
Which places could not watch his return live?
Stations owned by Nexstar or Sinclair preempted the show in several markets, including Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Nashville. Streams and clips were available.
What exactly did he say last night?
He defended free speech, condemned violence, thanked supporters across the aisle, and called out political pressure on broadcasters. See the full transcript.
What do we know about the Kirk case?
Prosecutors charged Tyler Robinson, 22. AP and local outlets track the court timeline and UVU’s security review.
Last updated: September 24, 2025