Jimmy Kimmel Pulled… Then Brought Back

Lucia Perkins

Staff Writer

This last Wednesday, ABC announced that they were indefinitely pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air. The show debuted in Jan. 2003, and for more than two decades, the show has kept up its popularity.

According to CNN, a behind-the-scenes source from Disney revealed the decision was made by the company’s chief executive, Robert A. Iger, and the company’s television chief, Dana Walden. Disney insiders said that the company board was not involved in the decision.

The time frame of the cancellation was abrupt. The network has not officially sent out a statement about the reason. However, there is a public agreement that it was somewhat due to the right-wing outrage over his rhetoric regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

On his Monday evening broadcast, Kimmel shared his opinions on the political preference of the accused shooter, Tyler Robinson, in relation to the Make America Great Again movement.

He stated, “New lows with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it.”

The recent conservative argument has been that Robinson had more leftist ideologies. People on the right expressed dissatisfaction with the misinformation in Kimmel’s messaging. Kimmel allegedly reported his intention of clearing the air on his Wednesday broadcast, however, the show was already suspended.

The Trump Administration played a role in pressuring the finality of the late-night show and supported the choice. Kimmel has been a long-time critic of Trump and his presidency.

 President Donald Trump took to Truth Social and falsely claimed, “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”

Amidst the celebration, there is a slew of politicians, organizations, and Hollywood figures speaking out on social media about their concern and alarm.

California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X, “Firing commentators. Canceling shows. These aren’t coincidences. It’s coordinated. And it’s dangerous. The @GOP does not believe in free speech. They are censoring you in real time.”

The Foundation for Individual Rights, amongst other non-profits, spoke out and argued that the censorship has gone too far. In terms of Kimmel’s employees, they were working as usual and were astonished at the suspension. One studio publicist responded, “I can’t believe this is real life.” Other late-night hosts gradually spoke out as well.

On “The Tonight Show,” Jimmy Fallon expressed, “He is a decent, funny, and loving guy. I hope he comes back”.

In addition, Steven Colbert shared on “ The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert” that “tonight, we are all Jimmy Kimmel.”

On Sept. 22, ABC News announced that Kimmel’s show would return to air the following day.