Discussions are currently underway between Jimmy Kimmel's business and legal representatives, and leaders at Disney and ABC, in an effort to reach a compromise that would facilitate the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to ABC. The late-night program was abruptly removed from its regular 11:35 p.m. slot on September 17, with Disney stating the show would be off its schedule indefinitely. This decision followed remarks made by Kimmel concerning former President Donald Trump and the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which prompted major TV station owners, Nexstar and Sinclair, to pre-empt airings of the program.

Kimmel, a veteran host, has maintained silence publicly since the show's removal. He has been a prominent face for ABC since 2003, not only with his late-night franchise but also as host of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” the Academy Awards, and other network specials. While talks for a return are ongoing, there is no guarantee that Kimmel and Disney will finalize an agreement. Kimmel is reportedly mindful of the significant impact a show shutdown would have on his dozens of production staffers and various Los Angeles vendors, especially as many are still recovering financially from the months-long writers and actors strikes of 2023.

The controversy surrounding Kimmel has sparked widespread criticism of Disney from across the political spectrum. Free speech advocates have condemned the company’s swift decision to take the show off the air, while conservatives have voiced approval, and Trump himself has reiterated calls for broadcast networks allowing anti-Trump and anti-MAGA voices to lose their licenses. Demonstrations related to the situation erupted outside Disney offices in New York and Burbank, as well as outside the Hollywood theater complex where “Jimmy Kimmel Live” is produced.

The financial stakes for Disney and ABC are substantial. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” generated $51.1 million in ad spending in 2024, according to Guideline data, accounting for 21% of all late-night program advertising. For the show to generate the ratings guaranteed to advertisers, Disney requires widespread distribution across numerous TV stations in the U.S. It is understood that ABC and Disney executives had previously expressed concerns to Kimmel regarding the intensity of his critiques aimed at former President Donald Trump and his administration's actions, including the campaign involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

The situation intensified with the involvement of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, who earlier threatened action against ABC and publicly thanked Nexstar for its decision to pre-empt Kimmel's show. Carr suggested that local broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest and to push back on programming deemed to fall short of community standards. He has since indicated a potential investigation into other Disney shows, such as “The View.” Disney executives reportedly felt compelled to temporarily remove Kimmel’s show to allow the “MAGA media-fueled controversy” to subside.

The broader implications extend to potential government reviews for all media companies involved. Nexstar is currently seeking FCC approval for its $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, another large TV station owner. Sinclair recently announced a