Jimmy Kimmel Goes Viral: Late-Night Host’s Surprise Announcement Sends Social Media Into Overdrive

Late-night television took an unexpected turn on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, when ABC announced it is pulling “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the network’s national schedule “indefinitely” after the host’s controversial on-air remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The decision was triggered in part by Nexstar Media Group—the largest owner of ABC affiliates—declaring it would pre-empt the program on all of its stations “for the foreseeable future,” leaving millions of viewers without their usual dose of Kimmel’s monologue. According to people familiar with the matter, Kimmel’s Tuesday-night show featured an extended riff in which the comedian used graphic language while condemning Kirk’s stance on gun violence. The clip went viral within hours, drawing sharp criticism from conservative media figures and prompting a flood of complaints to local ABC affiliates. Nexstar’s swift response put immediate pressure on Disney-owned ABC. While ABC has weathered past Kimmel controversies, executives this time opted for a network-wide hiatus, citing “a need to ensure civil discourse in our late-night lineup.” Until further notice, ABC will fill the 11:35 p.m. slot with a mix of “Nightline” specials and encore presentations of the news-magazine “20/20.” Internal memos obtained by industry reporters say the network is “reviewing editorial standards” and “in discussions” with the show’s producers about possible next steps. The move leaves advertisers in limbo during the lucrative fall premiere season and raises fresh questions about the future of broadcast late-night. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” averages roughly 1.4 million viewers per night and ranks second in the 18-49 demographic, behind NBC’s “The Tonight Show.” Media-buying agency Zenith says ABC could lose up to $450,000 per night in ad revenue if the suspension stretches beyond two weeks. Social-media reaction has been polarized. Hashtags #StandWithKimmel and #FireKimmel trended simultaneously on X (formerly Twitter) as celebrities, politicians, and viewers weighed in. Kirk posted that Kimmel’s “violent rhetoric” proves “Hollywood’s hypocrisy,” while comedians like Patton Oswalt defended Kimmel’s right to satire. Negotiations between ABC and Nexstar reportedly hinge on whether Kimmel issues an on-air apology; sources close to the host say he is “considering several options,” including a prerecorded statement and a moderated discussion segment addressing political extremism. Streaming viewers can still find recent episodes on Hulu, but the service has temporarily removed Tuesday’s broadcast pending review. International markets that receive “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” through Disney+’s Star hub remain unaffected for now. For loyal fans, the uncertainty echoes the 2023 writers’ strike hiatus, yet industry analysts note that late-night recoveries can be swift if public sentiment turns. Until then, the spotlight remains not on celebrity guests or comedy sketches, but on the delicate balance between free expression and broadcast standards in America’s ever-fractious media landscape.