Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show returns to American screens on Tuesday after a week-long suspension under government pressure on broadcasters, which critics argued chilled free speech. However, the programme will not air nationwide.
Dozens of local ABC affiliates, owned by companies including Nexstar and Sinclair, announced they would continue their boycott instead of broadcasting the show.
Viewers are expected to focus on Kimmel’s opening monologue, where he will address his suspension. Disney, which owns ABC, explained on Monday that it halted production after Kimmel’s comments following the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
“We suspended the show to prevent inflaming a tense national moment,” Disney said. The company added it had restored the show after “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy.”
Kimmel, known for lampooning Donald Trump and his allies, angered conservatives by saying “the MAGA gang” sought to exploit Kirk’s murder for political gain.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Brendan Carr appeared to threaten ABC affiliates’ licences unless they pressed for Kimmel’s removal — a demand Trump himself had often made.
Nexstar and Sinclair then pulled the show from their schedules, prompting Disney to suspend it nationwide. Sinclair, which had demanded an apology and donation to Turning Point USA, confirmed it would not resume broadcasts. Nexstar echoed the stance on Tuesday.
“We pre-empted Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week and will maintain that position until all sides commit to constructive dialogue in our markets,” the company said.
Kimmel’s abrupt removal sparked outrage among liberals, who argued he was punished for criticising Trump. Some conservatives, including Senator Ted Cruz and broadcaster Tucker Carlson, also voiced concern about the government’s encroachment on free speech.
Trump has repeatedly railed against negative coverage, even claiming last week it was “illegal.”