Jimmy Kimmel, the popular late-night host known for jokes and laughs, is facing a major shake-up.

His show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has been pulled off air by ABC “indefinitely.” This move came right after Kimmel made comments about the tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Fans and critics are asking: Is this the end of the show? W

What Happened: The Shooting of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, 31, was a rising star in conservative politics. He founded Turning Point USA, a group that promotes conservative views on campuses across America.

On September 10, 2025, Kirk was speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. A sniper shot him in the neck from a nearby rooftop. He died at the scene. The attack shocked the nation and fueled heated debates about political violence.

Police arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect.

Court papers show Robinson had left-wing views. He hated Kirk’s anti-LGBTQ+ comments and sent texts to his roommate saying, “I had enough of his hatred.”

Robinson faces aggravated murder charges, and prosecutors want the death penalty.

The killing came amid rising fears of U.S. political attacks. Just months earlier, in May 2025, Israeli Embassy staff were killed in Washington, D.C.

Kirk’s death led to over 10,000 social media posts blaming everyone from “the left” to conspiracy theories. President Trump called it a “radical left” plot and vowed tougher laws.

What Did Jimmy Kimmel Say? The Comments That Led to the Pull

Kimmel first reacted to Kirk’s death on Instagram, hours after the shooting.

He wrote a heartfelt post calling for unity: “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human? On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.”

But things heated up on his show.

During the September 15, 2025, monologue, Kimmel criticized how some conservatives were responding.

He said: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.” He accused the “MAGA gang” of hypocrisy, pointing to past events like the January 6 Capitol riot where Trump backers chanted to “hang” Mike Pence.

The next night, September 16, Kimmel doubled down: “Many in MAGA-land are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”

He mocked VP JD Vance for blaming “the left” without proof and played a clip of Trump dodging a question about Kirk by talking about a new White House ballroom.

Kimmel’s words hit a nerve because early reports mixed up Robinson’s politics.

Some outlets wrongly called him a Trump fan, but facts showed he was anti-MAGA. Critics said Kimmel spread “misinformation” and mocked a fresh tragedy.

When and Why Was the Show Pulled? Who Made the Call?

The backlash exploded fast. On September 17, 2025—just two days after Kimmel’s first comments—major ABC station owners acted.

• Nexstar Media Group (which runs many ABC stations) announced it would skip Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future” starting that night.
  • Nexstar President Andrew Alford said: “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.”
• Sinclair Broadcast Group followed suit, pulling the show on its 30 ABC stations “until further notice.” They plan a one-hour Charlie Kirk tribute special in Kimmel’s Friday slot and want Kimmel to apologize to Kirk’s family and donate to Turning Point USA.

FCC Chair Brendan Carr (a Trump appointee) piled on during a podcast with conservative Benny Johnson.

He called Kimmel’s remarks “the sickest conduct possible” and hinted at revoking ABC’s broadcast licenses: “These companies can find ways to take action on Kimmel or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

ABC (owned by Disney) bowed to the pressure. A spokesperson said: “‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will be pre-empted indefinitely.”

The decision halted a live taping that night, leaving a lined-up audience stunned. Trump celebrated on Truth Social: “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done.” He also called for NBC to drop Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, calling them “two total losers.”

Why now? Nexstar and Sinclair have big deals pending with the Trump administration, like Nexstar’s $6.2 billion merger.

Critics call it “actual cancel culture” from the right, especially after CBS axed Stephen Colbert’s show in July 2025 over Trump jabs.

Will Jimmy Kimmel Be Back on Air?

No one knows for sure—it’s “indefinite,” not permanent.

ABC hasn’t said if or when the show returns. Kimmel’s team hasn’t commented yet, but Hollywood is buzzing. This echoes Colbert’s full cancellation, which Trump praised.

Kimmel has hosted since 2003 and won Emmys for his takes on politics and pop culture.

But late-night TV is shrinking—fewer viewers, ad dollars, and now political heat. If it ends, Kimmel joins a list of sidelined hosts like Colbert.

Supporters like Ben Stiller tweeted: “This isn’t right.” Wanda Sykes said she was “in a full face of makeup” for a canceled guest spot. Jean Smart added: “What Jimmy said was FREE speech, not hate speech.” The Anti-Defamation League and others warn of chilling free speech.

Other Options for Kimmel: Podcasts, New Networks, or Streaming?

If ABC cuts ties, Kimmel has plenty of paths. He’s no stranger to controversy—he’s roasted Trump at the Oscars and turned personal stories (like his son’s health scare) into Emmy gold.

• Podcasts: Kimmel could launch one easily. His style fits audio rants like Joe Rogan’s or Marc Maron’s WTF. Platforms like Spotify or Apple pay big for stars—Rogan’s deal is $250 million.
• Other Networks or Streaming: Netflix or HBO Max love bold hosts. Kimmel hosted The Oscars multiple times and could pivot to specials. Comedy Central or Peacock might grab him for a new late-night slot. Even Fox (ironically) has eyed crossovers.
• Stand-Up and Books: Kimmel’s a top comic. He could tour arenas or write a memoir like Colbert’s, mixing laughs with politics.

More info: This isn’t Kimmel’s first feud. In 2018, he defended his Trump jokes: “If you want someone else to host the show, that’s fine with me.”

His show averages 1.5 million viewers, down from peaks, but still tops some rivals.

Wrapping Up: A Sign of Tough Times for Comedy?

Jimmy Kimmel’s indefinite pull shows how politics poisons entertainment.

Kirk’s death was a sad reminder of America’s divides, and Kimmel’s words—meant as satire—ignited a firestorm.

Whether he bounces back on TV, goes podcasting, or retires to dad life, Kimmel’s voice won’t vanish.

What do you think—fair play or free speech foul? Share below.