ABC announced on Wednesday, September 17, that the late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be suspended “indefinitely”, after the controversy generated by the comments of its host on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which occurred on September 10.
On Monday night 15, Kimmel addressed the case of Tyler Robinson, the young man accused of Kirk’s murder, and criticized conservative political sectors that, according to him, tried to disassociate the attacker from the extreme right-wing ideology.
“The MAGA gang tried desperately to brand this kid as anything but one of them, trying to make political capital out of the case,” Kimmel said during his monologue.
Jimmy Kimel canceled for comments by Charlie Kirk
JIMMY KIMMEL didn’t make fun of Charlie Kirk — he made fun of Trump and Trump’s me, me, me, me, me, mine, mine, mine, mine – ballroom vs Charlie Kirk’s deathpic.twitter.com/7RMsBgzrCx
– Jaime (@KansasResisters) September 18, 2025
The comedian also ironized about President Donald Trump’s reaction, showing a video in which the president was asked by a journalist about how he dealt with Kirk’s murder.
In the clip, Trump responded, “I think very well,” then changed the subject to talk about building a new White House ballroom.
The statements did not go unnoticed. Nexstar Media Group, the largest operator of ABC-affiliated channels in the United States, issued a statement rejecting Kimmel’s words and announced that it would withdraw the program from its programming.
Nexstar se opone firmemente a los recientes comentarios hechos por el Sr. Kimmel sobre el asesinato de Charlie Kirk y reemplazará el programa con otra programación en nuestros mercados
Nexstar
A few hours later, ABC confirmed that the broadcast would be suspended with no definite date for its return, marking a major blow to U.S. late-night television.
Your career
Jimmy Kimmel, born November 13, 1967 in Brooklyn, New York, has been the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003.
For more than two decades, his show established itself as one of the most influential late-night programs, featuring interviews with entertainment figures, viral sketches and a satirical style that earned him international recognition.
In addition to his work as a host, Kimmel has worked as an actor, producer and screenwriter, and has received several Emmy awards.
His direct, critical and humorous style made him one of the most recognized voices in American television comedy.
Jimmy Kimmel’s show is cancelled
The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! comes at a time of great political polarization.
The comedian faces the biggest crisis of his career following pressure from Nexstar and ABC’s decision.
The U.S. media has been the most active in the world, where coverage of Kirk’s assassination has generated intense media debate.
While Kimmel’s supporters defend satire as part of free speech, conservative sectors accuse him of insensitivity towards a murdered figure and his family.
The controversy also reflects the growing pressure from large media groups, such as Nexstar, which are able to directly influence the decisions of national broadcasters.
For now, ABC has not announced whether the program will return or who will fill its slot if the suspension is upheld.
The decision leaves up in the air the future of a show that for years led nightly audiences and marked the cultural conversation in the United States.
