Jimmy Kimmel, host of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on ABC since 2003, finds himself in a precarious spot. As of September 20, 2025, reports confirm that Kimmel and Disney are locked in negotiations to bring his late-night program back to the airwaves, New York Post reported.
Discussions between Kimmel’s business and legal teams and executives at Disney and ABC are intense. They’re working to strike a deal that would allow the show to launch its 23rd season. Yet, the outcome of these talks remains shrouded in uncertainty.
No one knows if a resolution is near, leaving the show’s future hanging in the balance. This limbo stems from a storm of controversy over remarks Kimmel made earlier this week. His comments during a Monday monologue have ignited significant backlash.
During that monologue, Kimmel addressed the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk, alleging the suspect, Tyler Robinson, supported President Donald Trump. Authorities, however, have clarified that Robinson espoused a “leftist ideology,” directly contradicting Kimmel’s on-air claims.
Following this misstep, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" was yanked off the air on Wednesday of the same week. The indefinite hiatus has left fans and critics alike wondering about the show’s fate. Kimmel’s refusal to apologize for his statements only fuels the fire.
ABC had previously cautioned Kimmel against making political jabs, especially those aimed at President Trump, the current leader of the United States. It seems the network foresaw the risks of alienating a broad audience. Yet, Kimmel appears to have disregarded those warnings.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr weighed in on Thursday, emphasizing that networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS bear a responsibility to serve the public interest. He accused Kimmel of “appearing to directly mislead the American public.” Such criticism from a federal authority underscores the gravity of the situation.
Isn’t it ironic that a comedian tasked with entertaining now faces scrutiny for distorting facts? Carr’s pointed remark highlights a broader concern: media outlets must prioritize truth over agenda. This isn’t just comedy—it’s a public trust issue.
President Trump, a frequent target of Kimmel’s liberal-leaning barbs, didn’t hold back in celebrating the hiatus. He criticized the show’s “bad ratings” and promised to pursue other late-night hosts. His reaction signals a broader discontent with Hollywood’s often one-sided political commentary.
Kimmel, for his part, has expressed concern over a potential permanent cancellation. He worries about his Los Angeles crew, many still grappling with financial woes from the 2023 actors’ strike. It’s a fair point—collateral damage to hardworking staff deserves consideration.
Reflecting on past tensions with ABC, Kimmel offered this insight: “I really think that when they were trying to buy Fox, they were worried that Trump was going to screw them up somehow and that’s part of why they were nervous about my comments.” He continued in the same vein.
I don’t think their political beliefs conflicted with mine, but if you want to have a big audience, you don’t want to piss a lot of people off and I was pissing a lot of people off.
While Kimmel’s candor reveals a pragmatic streak, one must question if chasing ratings justifies alienating half the country. Conservative viewers, often sidelined by Hollywood, deserve respect, not dismissal as mere obstacles to “a big audience.” Balance matters in media.
Neither Kimmel’s representatives nor Disney offered comments to The Post as of September 20, 2025. This silence only deepens the mystery surrounding the negotiations. Will a compromise emerge, or is this the end of an era?
As the dust settles, the saga of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" serves as a cautionary tale for entertainers wading into political waters. Missteps can cost more than ratings—they can erode public trust. Perhaps it’s time for late-night TV to rethink its role as a cultural battleground.
