Late-night TV has been rocked by controversy after ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following backlash over comments made during Kimmel’s September 15, 2025 monologue. His remarks about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk were seen by some as satire but by others as insensitive.
Within days, ABC announced reruns of Celebrity Family Feud would replace the show, while major affiliates including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group halted broadcasts, demanding a response from Kimmel.
The incident has ignited a national debate over free speech, satire, and accountability in entertainment, with public figures and commentators weighing in on the broader implications for creative expression. Kimmel, host since 2003, has yet to release a formal statement, and his future at ABC remains unclear. The suspension leaves a significant gap in the late-night lineup, sparking reflection on the evolving role of comedy in shaping public discourse.