ABC stations operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group will air a Charlie Kirk remembrance special in Jimmy Kimmel's late-night time slot this Friday, replacing the talk show. Sinclair said the program would be rebroadcast across its ABC affiliates over the weekend and offered to other ABC outlets as well. The arrangement comes as ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely after a controversial monologue about the man charged in Charlie Kirk's killing, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
The program is described as a remembrance looking back at conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's life. Kirk, 31, founded Turning Point USA at age 18 and was credited with energizing the Republican youth movement while supporting President Donald Trump. He was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10 in front of about 3,000 spectators. Deadline reported that Kimmel had planned to address his remarks on Wednesday before the network announced the suspension.
Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith characterized Kimmel's on-air comments as inappropriate and deeply insensitive at a critical moment for the country, while Nexstar's broadcasting division President Andrew Alford called them offensive and insensitive. Nexstar said it would replace the show with other programming in its ABC-affiliated markets.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr said he was considering an investigation into Kimmel and ABC over the comments, describing the conduct as potentially opening avenues for FCC intervention. Carr noted ongoing tensions within the agency as he tried to balance political pressures with regulatory responsibilities.
Former Fox News host Bill O'Reilly criticized the situation, telling News Nation that producers should have flagged the monologue as inappropriate, calling the country raw over the assassination and urging responsibility and accountability in media.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been an ABC staple for more than 22 years, and the network's suspension of the program marks a rare interruption in the late-night lineup. The decision drew reactions from former allies and critics alike, with public figures weighing in on whether media outlets bear responsibility for content during sensitive moments.
Trump, who has repeatedly attacked late-night hosts, praised ABC's move as “great news for America” on Truth Social and criticized other hosts as well. DeSantis similarly framed the incident as a moment of accountability in legacy media. Trump was also reported to be scheduled to speak at Kirk's memorial service, highlighting the enduring connection between the Kirk story and national politics.
The memorial service for Kirk is slated for Sunday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, a 63,400-seat venue. Vice President JD Vance will also speak, crediting Kirk with helping shape his political trajectory. Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.