Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show was expected to return, but its comeback has hit a roadblock as ABC affiliates refuse to lift the suspension.
The show sparked backlash after Kimmel addressed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last week, also criticizing the response from Donald Trump.
Following his remarks, ABC suspended the show indefinitely, a move praised by some and condemned by others as censorship. Disney later announced the program would return on September 22, explaining the pause was meant to calm tensions and allow discussions with Kimmel.
However, Sinclair Inc., which operates dozens of ABC affiliates, said it will continue to block the broadcast, replacing Jimmy Kimmel Live! with local news across nearly 40 major markets while negotiations with ABC continue.