NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension that triggered a national discussion about freedom of speech and President Donald Trump’s influence over the media.
Despite his return, two groups of ABC affiliates, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, have announced they will not air his comeback episode. They demanded assurances that discussions in their markets would foster respect and constructive dialogue.
Kimmel’s suspension followed his comments regarding conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. ABC stated that his show’s return came after having 'thoughtful conversations' with Kimmel. Nevertheless, major affiliates’ refusal to carry the show raises questions about media accountability and freedom of speech implications.
'Our long national late nightmare is over,' Stephen Colbert humorously commented in response to Kimmel's reinstatement on his CBS show.
ABC suspended Kimmel indefinitely after comments made during a monologue where he suggested that some Trump supporters were capitalizing on the tragedy surrounding Kirk’s death.
Kimmel, who has long been critical of Trump, faces an uncertain first episode back, as a significant audience is expected to tune in to see how he addresses the controversial suspension.
The suspension raised considerable backlash, prompting a wave of support for Kimmel from multiple entertainment figures and organizations, including a letter from the ACLU stating that the network’s decision represented a troubling moment for free speech in America.
Amid the broader context of declining late-night viewership, Kimmel's return also comes at a time when CBS has recently canceled Stephen Colbert's show. The public and media landscape continues to evolve, as many consumers are shifting to digital platforms for engaging with content, leading to a changing late-night television environment.
