Curious about when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night? Get the latest updates, reasons behind his suspension, and what it means for ABC.
Key Points Summary
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to ABC after a one-week suspension.
- The suspension followed Kimmel’s remarks about Donald Trump and MAGA reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death.
- Disney faced nearly $5 billion in market losses during the controversy.
- Critics called the suspension a free speech issue; supporters saw it as necessary restraint.
The show resumes at its regular 11:35 p.m. ET slot, also streaming on Hulu.
📺 The Question Everyone Is Asking
For days, fans and critics alike have been asking: when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night? After a turbulent week that saw his show pulled from ABC’s schedule, the network has confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to its usual 11:35 p.m. ET slot on Tuesday night. The announcement ends a period of uncertainty that not only rattled viewers but also shook Disney’s stock value and reignited debates about free speech in American media.
⏳ The Suspension and Its Fallout
The suspension began on September 17, 2025, after Kimmel made pointed remarks about Donald Trump and MAGA supporters in response to the tragic killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments, which criticized the political exploitation of Kirk’s death, sparked outrage among right-wing groups. Within hours, major broadcast affiliates like Sinclair and Nexstar pulled the show, and ABC announced an indefinite suspension.
During this period, the question “when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night” surged across search engines and social media. Fans expressed frustration, while critics celebrated his absence. The uncertainty created a vacuum in the late-night landscape, traditionally dominated by personalities like Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Fallon.
💰 The Financial Impact on Disney
Disney, ABC’s parent company, quickly felt the consequences. According to Al Jazeera, the company lost nearly $5 billion in market value during the weeklong suspension. Hashtags like #CancelDisney and #CancelABC trended as subscribers canceled Disney+ and Hulu in protest.
Media analysts noted that the financial hit likely accelerated Disney’s decision to reinstate the show. As Susan Campbell, a media studies professor at the University of New Haven, told Reuters, “Consumers were exercising their own First Amendment rights and ending their subscriptions.”
This financial backdrop made the question “when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night” not just a fan concern but a corporate priority.
⚖️ Free Speech vs. Corporate Responsibility
The suspension sparked a national debate. Critics argued that ABC’s decision infringed on Kimmel’s First Amendment rights. Former President Barack Obama weighed in, emphasizing that free speech must be defended “whether the speaker is Charlie Kirk or Jimmy Kimmel.” Hollywood unions representing more than 400,000 workers also condemned the suspension.
On the other side, Trump and his supporters applauded the move. Trump posted on Truth Social, congratulating ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”
This clash of perspectives made the timing of when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night a symbolic moment in the broader struggle over media freedom and political influence.
📅 The Official Return Date
ABC has now confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET. The show will also be available for streaming on Hulu. However, not all affiliates are on board. Sinclair Broadcasting announced it will continue replacing Kimmel’s slot with local news programming, raising questions about how widely the return will be broadcast.
For fans, the answer to when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night is clear: Tuesday night, back in his usual slot.
🌍 Broader Implications for Late-Night Television
The controversy highlights the fragile balance late-night hosts must strike in today’s polarized climate. Kimmel, known for blending comedy with political commentary, has often been a lightning rod for criticism. His return underscores the enduring demand for late-night satire, even as networks weigh the risks of alienating segments of their audience.
Comparatively, hosts like Colbert and Fallon have faced similar challenges but have not been suspended in recent years. This raises questions about consistency in how networks handle politically charged commentary.
📊 Comparative Review: Kimmel vs. Competitors
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!: Returns after suspension, due to controversy.
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert: Maintains strong ratings, heavily political.
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Less political, broader appeal.
- Late Night with Seth Meyers: Political satire, smaller but loyal audience.
In this competitive field, the timing of when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night could give ABC a ratings boost, as curiosity drives viewers to tune in.
🌐 Authority & Credibility Signals
This article draws on reporting from CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and Al Jazeera—all respected outlets with global reach. By synthesizing their coverage, we provide a comprehensive, balanced view of the controversy and its resolution.
✅ A Return with Broader Meaning
The answer to when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night is finally settled: Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET. But the implications extend far beyond one show’s schedule. The suspension and reinstatement highlight the tensions between free speech, corporate responsibility, and political pressure in modern media.
Got it 👍 — here’s how you can smoothly insert that internal link into your Jimmy Kimmel article without breaking flow or sounding forced. The key is to connect it through Disney, Trump, or public health debates, since those overlap with both stories.
The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s suspension also reflects a broader trend: how public figures’ comments can spark nationwide debates that extend far beyond entertainment. Recently, even health topics have been pulled into political discourse. For instance, discussions about whether pregnant women can safely use acetaminophen gained traction after remarks by Donald Trump, showing how celebrity or political statements can quickly influence public perception and media coverage.
As Kimmel steps back onto the stage, viewers will be watching not just for laughs, but for signs of how late-night television navigates an era of heightened scrutiny.
In the Philippines, where late-night U.S. shows are often streamed online, the question “when is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night” will echo with a growing audience of politically engaged millennials. Filipino viewers, accustomed to balancing entertainment with political discourse, may find parallels between U.S. media controversies and their own local debates.
FAQ Section:
Q1: What happened to Jimmy Kimmel’s show?
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after comments he made about Donald Trump and MAGA reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death.
Q2: Why is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night?
Disney reinstated the show after backlash, financial losses, and discussions with Kimmel.
Q3: When is Jimmy Kimmel returning to late night?
The show returns Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu.
Q4: How does Jimmy Kimmel’s return affect Disney?
It may help recover lost subscribers and stabilize Disney’s market value.Q5: Where can I watch Jimmy Kimmel’s return?
On ABC’s broadcast network, abc.com, and Hulu (availability may vary by affiliate).
Jo Parr is a passionate tech reviewer and storyteller who specializes in exploring how products, gadgets, and innovations shape the way we live. With a unique blend of technical insight and inspirational storytelling, Jo goes beyond specs and features to highlight how technology impacts real people. His reviews are honest, practical, and designed to help readers make informed choices, while his inspirational pieces spark curiosity and motivation. Whether he’s breaking down the latest product or sharing stories of resilience, Jo’s mission is to connect technology with human experience.
