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Jimmy Kimmel's Return to Air
Current Status

Yes, Jimmy Kimmel is back on the air. His show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", has been reinstated on ABC stations across the United States.
Background

Kimmel's show was temporarily pulled from the air by Sinclair and Nexstar, two major broadcast groups, due to controversial comments he made regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. After a brief suspension, ABC resumed airing the show, and Sinclair and Nexstar announced they would also bring it back to their affiliates.

Viewer Response

Kimmel's return episode drew record ratings, with over 6 million viewers tuning in, despite the previous blackout affecting a portion of the audience. The reinstatement followed discussions between Sinclair, Nexstar, and Disney, with both companies emphasizing their commitment to free speech and community interests.

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uncalled4 · 56-60, M

I've said it before. ABC had no Plan B. The idea that they would rage cancel a major show in September, the beginning of the season, is patently insane. He wasn't going anywhere, because low ratings are better than no ratings.

I know people like to do this coincidence/causality thing. If it makes you feel better, fine. But it doesn't add up. ABC was being forced into a corner by Sinclair and Nexstar and my guess is they would play hardball next, revoking their ABC affiliation.

It's been a year since NBC started drawing down on Fallon, 4 new shows and 1 rerun per week. You'd best believe that CBS and ABC noticed. That's not done with a profitable show. And that was with Biden in the White House.

Things are absolutely NUTS in the industry right now(this was my 36th year in TV). I'm surprised that we have all four networks. What's more, I'm wondering which will go dark first and how long any of them can last.

Kimmel's show is enjoying a ratings death bounce, which is to be expected. It won't last, not because Kimmel is funny or not, late night's been dead and buried since the end of Letterman. Look for Colbert and Kimmel, etc. on the streamer of your choice sooner rather than later.