Jimmy Kimmel’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! was finalised on Monday after days of negotiations between the host and Disney executives.
The late-night show will resume on Tuesday with a full studio audience following a suspension that drew widespread backlash.
According to sources, talks involved Disney CEO Bob Iger, Disney Entertainment chief Dana Walden, and Kimmel’s team. The resolution came after a series of calls, texts, and paperwork concluded earlier in the day.
One insider said the aim was to “do the best thing for the company,” while another remarked, “Jimmy will say what Jimmy wants to say,” suggesting few restrictions were placed on the host’s return.
Kimmel’s show was suspended last week after comments he made about Donald Trump and reactions to the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The decision sparked protests, industry criticism, and a letter from the ACLU signed by more than 400 public figures, including Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Selena Gomez, and Diego Luna.
ABC’s The View also addressed the suspension, with host Alyssa Farah Griffin saying: “The First Amendment is the first for a reason, because you need to be able to hold those in power accountable.” Howard Stern and other commentators criticised the decision, while some viewers cancelled Disney+ subscriptions in protest.
Despite the reinstatement, questions remain over whether affiliates such as Sinclair and Nexstar, which independently pulled the show, will resume airing it. Sinclair has since stated they will continue to pre-empt the programme while discussions continue.
Kimmel is expected to address the controversy on-air, though it is unclear how he will respond to Trump’s criticism of his ratings and career.
Guests for the upcoming broadcast remain unconfirmed, but the show will return with its usual format.
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