Reaction to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returning back on the air
(KYMA) - Disney announced Monday that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return on ABC Tuesday, and several lawmakers and celebrities shared their reaction.
The announcement comes almost one week since ABC suspended the show after FCC Chair Brendan Carr and networks of affiliate stations threatened ABC over comments Kimmel made in a monologue about the MAGA movement's response to Charlie Kirk's assassination.
After the suspension was announced, several protests were held, including a rally held Monday by California lawmakers and Hollywood unions hours before the announcement, as it created a political firestorm and fueled debates over free speech and cancel culture.
As a result of the reinstatement, Sinclair Broadcasting Group, along with Nexstar, said they'll not air the show, and will be replaced with news programming.
Following the announcement of the show's return, several lawmakers, political pundits and celebrities are sharing reaction to the news:
Thank you to everyone but @BrendanCarrFCC.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) September 22, 2025
This is a win for free speech everywhere. https://t.co/Ww8eHwFfhk
Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmell back on the air is not surprising, but it's their mistake to make.
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) September 22, 2025
Nextstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice.
I’m thrilled that Jimmy Kimmel will be back on the air, but make no mistake there is no cause for complacency. The Trump admin will continue to crackdown on dissent & silence critics. We need to be vigilant & vigorous in our support of free speech & expression. pic.twitter.com/NjDuzeobtb
— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) September 22, 2025
This is big: Jimmy Kimmel is coming back!
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) September 22, 2025
This is about fighting for free speech and against these abuses by Donald Trump and Brendan Carr.
I am glad to see Disney find its courage in the face of clear government intimidation.
— Anna M. Gomez (@AGomezFCC) September 22, 2025
More importantly, I want to thank those Americans from across the ideological spectrum who spoke loudly and courageously against this blatant attempt to silence free speech. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/7C4J7OPuTV
Must be nice to be a leftist. “Cancellation” lasts 5 nights and you’re right back under klieg lights.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) September 22, 2025
On the right you’re underground.
Kimmel’s show was put on pause for like 3 days and yet leftists will look us dead in the eyes and tell us that this was a greater attack on free speech than shooting and killing Charlie Kirk https://t.co/vJKNxp27bq
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) September 22, 2025
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) September 22, 2025
Last week, Disney/ABC caved to Trump administration pressure. Millions of Americans helped them find their backbone.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) September 22, 2025
Whether you watch Jimmy Kimmel or not, today's decision is a victory for free speech.
We've reached out to WABC to reschedule the town hall. https://t.co/UCyHGvvTx5
@thedailyshow Jon Stewart has some good news about Jimmy Kimmel, and some bad news for Tylenol #DailyShow #JimmyKimmel #Tylenol #JonStewart ♬ original sound - The Daily Show
