After more than 22 years on the air, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been shut down indefinitely following the former Oscar host and multi-Emmy Award-winning host’s comments about the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Just minutes before the news broke, Nexstar announced that it had removed Jimmy Kimmel’s show “for the foreseeable future” from all 32 of ABC’s affiliates, beginning with the episode scheduled to air that night. In its statement, Nexstar explicitly linked the decision to Kimmel’s segment on Kirk: “Nexstar strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel concerning the killing of Charlie Kirk and will replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.”
The largest of ABC’s affiliates, Sinclair Broadcast Group, followed suit, suspending “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and declaring it would not lift the suspension without a conversation with ABC about accountability for the network’s content. Sinclair urged Jimmy Kimmel to apologize to the Kirk family and pressed ABC to donate to both the family and Turning Point USA, the conservative non-profit Kirk founded. According to a source cited by The Hollywood Reporter, Kimmel has no intention of apologizing.
On September 10th, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University during one of his well-known “Prove Me Wrong” debates. Five days later, Kimmel addressed the tragedy on his show. Rather than mocking Kirk’s death, he poked fun at the way Republican leaders scrambled to politicize the event. He quipped, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang 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.” He also mocked President Donald Trump’s muted response, airing a clip of Trump telling reporters he was feeling “very good” after being asked about Kirk’s death. While Kimmel has long pushed boundaries with blunt political humor, this time it appears networks had reached their breaking point.
Kimmel’s removal comes only months after Paramount abruptly canceled Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show.” At the time, Trump celebrated on Truth Social, writing that he “absolutely love[d] that Colbert got fired” and predicting, “Jimmy Kimmel is next.” It now seems his wish has come true.
After news of Kimmel’s fate broke, Trump again took to Truth Social: “Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it, NBC!!! President DJT.”
The WGA and SAG-AFTRA organizations issues responses regarding the news below.
What was once dismissed as political bluster now raises real concerns. “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers” could be in genuine danger. The loss of such late-night institutions would be significant. For decades, these shows have provided Americans with a way to process shocking or divisive news through humor, helping audiences find levity in challenging times. Their decline feels like a troubling sign of what is still to come.
What can be done about any of this? In a time when it feels though as if all hope is fading, there are many peaceful ways to respond to this distressing news. You can begin by speaking out in support of free expression through public channels such as letters to an editor of a publication, writing a blog post, contributing toward a podcast, or posting on social media. Amplifying conversation around the issue helps ensure it does not quietly fade from attention. You may also choose to engage directly with ABC, Nexstar, and Sinclair by writing or calling to share your perspective respectfully, since media companies often track audience feedback and sometimes adjust decisions when faced with collective pressure. You can organize or sign petitions, creating advocacy campaigns that call for the return of Jimmy Kimmel. Supporting other late-night and comedic voices that continue to deliver social critique under the right of the First Amendment is another meaningful step. Beyond this, it is also essential to stay civically engaged by voting, attending peaceful rallies, or backing organizations dedicated to defending our democracy. And finally, encouraging civil dialogue rather than spreading division can make a real difference, as respectful discussions with those who disagree create more space for understanding and reduce the risk of escalating hostility, which is something we need now more than ever.
What do you think this news? How do you think the rest of the industry and the world will respond? Please let us know in the comments section below and on Next Best Picture’s X account.
