Sinclair won’t air Jimmy Kimmel Live! as Disney reinstates show after $4B loss

Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC following a six-day suspension after controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. However, not all ABC affiliates will broadcast the show.

Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns numerous ABC stations nationwide, announced that it will not air Jimmy Kimmel Live! unless certain conditions are met.

The company has demanded that Kimmel issue a formal apology to Kirk’s family and make a substantial donation to them and Kirk’s nonprofit organization, Turning Point USA. Sinclair criticized Kimmel’s monologue as “deeply insensitive” and emphasized accountability in national broadcasting.

ABC reinstated Kimmel’s show after discussions with the host, confirming that it would air at its usual 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT slot and stream on Hulu.

Despite this, Sinclair’s refusal highlights the tension between national network decisions and local affiliate control.

The suspension and Sinclair’s stance have sparked a wider debate about free speech, media responsibility, and the influence of large broadcasting groups.

Over 400 Hollywood figures, including Jennifer Aniston and Tom Hanks, have defended Kimmel’s right to free speech through a letter organized by the ACLU.

Meanwhile, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel’s comments, contributing to the regulatory scrutiny surrounding the incident.

Disney has reportedly faced a significant financial hit amid the boycott, with some estimates suggesting losses near $4 billion in market value and a surge in subscriber cancellations across Disney+ and Hulu.

As Kimmel returns to the air, it remains unclear whether Sinclair and other affiliates will adjust their positions or if the host’s future broadcasts will continue to face restrictions.