The Jimmy Kimmel Return: Back on TV but Not Everywhere

So Jimmy Kimmel’s on tonight. Finally. From day one, this entire thing has been completely mental. I’ve been staying up watching late-night comedy since I was a teenager, sneaking downstairs after Mum and Dad went to bed, and I can’t remember anything this bonkers happening before.

The news has offered different stories every day. Some outlets are behaving as if Jimmy’s just committed a war crime; others act like nothing ever happened. No one seems to have a handle on what’s actually happening.

The Comments That Started It All

Last Monday night, Jimmy made some comments about Charlie Kirk’s death that got everyone’s knickers in a twist. Now, I’ve seen that monologue myself, and while it wasn’t his best work by a long shot, nor was it the scandal some would have me believe.

He argued that the MAGA crowd were just hypocrites when they responded to Kirk’s killing. Fair enough criticism, I thought. But it was enough to send the Trump administration’s chairman of the FCC into a tizzy, threatening regulatory action against ABC.

It all reminded me of one time when, at work, my mate got into trouble for making a joke about the boss. Sometimes you think you’re being clever, but it backfires spectacularly.

ABC Bottles It Under Pressure

Here is where it gets particularly interesting. ABC pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air “indefinitely” after Kimmel made controversial remarks, only hours after the FCC chairman started making threats. Talk about caving under pressure!

Disney, who owns ABC, obviously figured it wasn’t worth the mess. They have more pressing concerns with various business deals requiring government approvals. Corporate interests overrule creative freedom sometimes, don’t they?

What really got my goat was how quickly they folded. This is Jimmy Kimmel we’re talking about, not some nobody stand-up. For years now, he’s been their biggest late-night star; millions of viewers tune in to see him every night.

The Station Groups That Made Things Worse

But here’s the part that really tells you something about how the television business is operating right now. Nexstar Media Group and other station owners opted to expand local news on their ABC affiliates after ABC suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

In other words, the big station groups saw their chance. And rather than simply follow ABC’s lead, they opted to assert themselves. The two largest station owners in America, Nexstar and Sinclair, pledged to continue with local news rather than Kimmel even after he comes back.

This is where it gets properly mental. You’ve got a situation where ABC wants to bring Jimmy back, but loads of their own affiliate stations are saying “nah, we’re alright thanks.”

The Jimmy Kimmel Return Happens Today

So after the yes-no, back-and-forth of the last few days, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” will be back on Tuesday night following what it called “thoughtful conversations” with Disney. For those keeping score, that’s tonight.

The show returns at its regular time, 11:35 p.m. ET, but here’s the catch. Many, many stations are still not going to carry it. Imagine you are Jimmy Kimmel right now, and half your usual audience can’t even watch you because their local stations are throwing a strop.

When I heard about this Jimmy Kimmel return situation, my first thought was about how weird modern media has become. You’ve got the network wanting one thing, the affiliates wanting another, and politicians threatening everyone in between.

What This Really Shows Us

This whole mess tells you everything about American television in 2025. The FCC chairman makes one threat, and suddenly everyone’s running scared. Corporate executives care more about government relations than supporting their talent.

I remember when comedians could take the piss out of politicians without worrying about being yanked off air. Sure, people would complain, but networks had backbone back then.

The Nexstar and Sinclair situation is particularly galling. These companies own hundreds of stations across America, and they’re using their power to essentially censor content they don’t like. That’s not how free speech is supposed to work.

The Guests Who’ll Welcome Him Back

They’ve announced some proper A-list guests for his return. Glen Powell, Ethan Hawke, and Peyton Manning are set to appear on the comeback shows. Smart booking, if you ask me. Get some big names to remind people why they loved watching Jimmy in the first place.

Peyton Manning especially is a brilliant choice. He’s about as non-controversial as celebrities get, and everyone loves him. Perfect for easing back into things without causing more drama.

Why Some Stations Are Still Being Difficult

The reality is that Nexstar and Sinclair-owned stations will continue to preempt the show even though ABC’s bringing it back. They’re making this about principle now, which is corporate speak for “we don’t like being told what to do.”

This is where it gets really stupid. My cousin lives in Ohio, and she texted me yesterday saying her local station won’t show Jimmy anymore. Not because viewers don’t want to watch him. Because some bloke in a suit at the station group thinks he knows what’s best for everyone.

Imagine if your local cinema decided they weren’t showing certain films because the manager didn’t like the director. That’s basically what’s happening here.

Where Does Jimmy Go From Here?

You know what? This might be the best thing that’s happened to Jimmy in years. I was getting a bit bored with his show lately, same old routine every night. But now everyone’s talking about him again. My Twitter feed’s been full of people asking when he’s coming back.

Remember when Netflix banned that Dave Chappelle special? Sales went through the roof. Sometimes the best publicity is when people tell you that you can’t watch something.

But there are proper questions about whether he’ll stick around much longer. His current contract with ABC is expected to end in 2026, and he’s been mulling stepping down from the role.

Can’t say I blame him after this circus. Being yanked off air for making jokes about politicians isn’t exactly what you sign up for when you become a comedian.

The whole situation reminds me why I prefer British comedy shows. Our comedians take the piss out of everyone, and whilst people might moan about it, nobody gets pulled off air for it.

Welcome back, Jimmy. Let’s hope this is the last time we have to go through this sort of nonsense.