ABC has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, a move confirmed as the show faced backlash over remarks about Charlie Kirk and Trump supporters. The decision was reportedly approved by Disney Entertainment CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden, and comes just hours before a scheduled live taping at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
Deadline reported that Walden delivered the news in a late-afternoon phone call, describing the exchange as thoughtful and polite. The timing left the production team scrambling, and guests scheduled to appear on Wednesday, including Wanda Sykes, were already en route to the theater when word of the cancellation spread.
Kimmel’s remarks earlier in the week criticizing the associations drawn by the killer of Charlie Kirk drew swift backlash from conservatives and drew attention from regulators; FCC Chair Brendan Carr characterized the comments as among the sickest conduct possible. The network reportedly feared that continued escalation of the rhetoric could influence the show's upcoming broadcast.
The suspension marks the first major interruption in Kimmel’s 22-year tenure as host; there is no announced timeline for when the show might return. Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, who serves as head writer and executive producer, is publicly supporting him as the staff navigates the fallout and prepares for ongoing uncertainty.
Several celebrities publicly defended Kimmel in the wake of the suspension, including Ben Stiller, John Legend, Jamie Lee Curtis and Halsey, among others. Public messages from friends and colleagues expressed support, while unions representing writers and actors issued statements about free-speech rights and cautioned against yielding to political pressure.
The episode underscores the fragile climate around political speech in late-night television, coming as the industry contends with heated public debate over Kirk's killing and the way media handles such remarks. Former President Donald Trump praised ABC’s move in a Truth Social post, arguing that the show’s suspension reflected ongoing political pressure on media and talent.
As Kimmel’s situation unfolds, late-night watchers note that other programs are also in transition; CBS's Late Show With Stephen Colbert is slated to end in May 2026, following Colbert’s recent Emmy win.