The world of late-night television was rocked this week when Disney-owned ABC abruptly suspended "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely, igniting a firestorm of reactions from comedians, media executives, and political observers. The move, announced on September 17, 2025, came after a wave of pressure from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and major ABC affiliate owners Nexstar and Sinclair, following Kimmel’s pointed remarks about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a subsequent jab at President Donald Trump’s response to the tragedy.
The fallout was swift and widespread, with late-night hosts and industry veterans rallying to Kimmel’s defense, framing the suspension as a watershed moment for free speech and the future of political satire in America. The controversy began after Kimmel, in his Monday monologue, accused Trump’s allies of "desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it." FCC Chairman Carr condemned Kimmel’s comments as "some of the sickest conduct possible," suggesting there was a "path forward for suspension over this," according to statements reported by CBS News and NBC News.
Sinclair and Nexstar, two broadcasting giants with considerable sway over ABC’s affiliate network, responded by pulling "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" off the air, stating the show would remain suspended "until formal discussions are held with ABC about the network’s commitment to professionalism and accountability." Sinclair specifically called for Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family, while Nexstar’s decision was also influenced by its pending FCC approval for a merger with competitor Tegna, as reported by NBC News.
The suspension of Kimmel’s show—an institution on ABC since 2003—sparked a chorus of support from fellow late-night hosts. On September 18, Stephen Colbert, whose own "Late Show" is also facing cancellation in May 2026 amid similar pressures, opened his monologue with a bold statement: "Tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel," calling the suspension "blatant censorship." Colbert’s remarks, posted on "The Late Show’s" Instagram, drew cheers from his audience as he declared, "People across the country are shocked by this blatant assault on the freedom of speech." He added, "Well, you know what my community values are, buster? Freedom of speech." According to Rolling Stone, Colbert didn’t shy away from lampooning Disney’s predicament either, quipping, "On the bright side, that proves Disney is No. 1 at streaming."
Jimmy Fallon, host of NBC’s "The Tonight Show," addressed the controversy during his September 18 monologue, blending humor with genuine concern. "Well, guys, the big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone thinking, 'WTF?'," Fallon joked, before clarifying, "But to be honest with you all, I don't know what's going on, and no one does. But I do know Jimmy Kimmel, and he's a decent, funny, and loving guy. I hope he comes back." Fallon’s comments, reported by NBC News, drew applause from his audience and underscored the camaraderie among late-night hosts. He also noted the confusion that often arises between his and Kimmel’s shows, adding a touch of levity to the tense moment.
Meanwhile, Jon Stewart, returning to "The Daily Show" for a special Thursday episode, adopted his signature satirical tone. "I don’t know who this Johnny Drimmel Live ABC character is. But the point is, our great administration has laid out very clear rules on free speech," Stewart quipped, poking fun at the administration’s stance on media criticism. Stewart’s monologue, as highlighted by The Daily Show’s social media, was laced with sarcasm and thinly veiled barbs at Trump, whom he mockingly referred to as "our dear leader."
Seth Meyers, host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers," also weighed in on September 18, calling Kimmel’s suspension "a big moment in our democracy." Meyers, blending his usual wit with earnest reflection, told viewers, "There’s a reason free speech is in the very first amendment; it stands above all others." He warned of the dangers of government intimidation, stating, "Anybody that's criticizing this administration — they're using the power of government to intimidate companies to fire people. As a country, we have to, in this moment, know that our democracy is on the line." Meyers’ remarks, as reported by NBC and recounted in his "A Closer Look" segment, echoed growing concerns about the chilling effect of political pressure on media institutions.
Veteran comedian and former "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno added his voice to the chorus of support during an appearance at Chris Wallace’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on September 18. "I’m on Jimmy Kimmel’s side on that one," Leno told reporters. "These kinds of things happen all the time. You don’t get canceled [for] saying popular things. Usually it’s the truth that winds up getting canceled, so we’ll see what happens." Leno, a staunch advocate for free speech, added, "It’s a comedian talking; if you don’t like it, don’t watch it." He predicted Kimmel would "land on his feet" and might even return to the airwaves within weeks, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Outside the world of comedy, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner issued a scathing rebuke of the suspension via X (formerly Twitter) on September 19. Eisner, who helmed Disney for more than two decades, questioned the lack of leadership at the corporate and institutional level. "Where has all the leadership gone? If not for university presidents, law firm managing partners, and corporate chief executives standing up against bullies, who then will step up for the first amendment?" he wrote. Eisner didn’t mince words about the timing of the suspension, stating, "The 'suspending indefinitely' of Jimmy Kimmel immediately after the Chairman of the FCC's aggressive yet hollow threatening of the Disney Company is yet another example of out-of-control intimidation." He closed his remarks by praising Kimmel’s talent and humor, insisting, "For the record, this ex-CEO finds Jimmy Kimmel very talented and funny."
Conan O’Brien, another late-night luminary, took to X on September 19 to decry the suspension, declaring, "The suspension of @jimmykimmel and the promise to silence other Late Night hosts for criticizing the administration should disturb everyone on the Right, Left, and Center. It’s wrong and anyone with a conscience knows it’s wrong." O’Brien’s comments resonated across the political spectrum, highlighting the rare consensus on the importance of protecting free expression—even, or perhaps especially, when it is controversial.
As the dust settles, the fate of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" remains uncertain. ABC has not announced if or when the show will return, and Disney has declined to comment on Eisner’s remarks. Yet the uproar has already left its mark, galvanizing comedians, executives, and viewers alike to reflect on the fragile state of free speech in a climate of mounting political and corporate pressure. For now, the late-night community stands united in its support for Kimmel, determined to keep the spotlight shining on the vital role of satire, dissent, and laughter in American democracy.
