Jimmy Kimmel returns with an emotional monologue defending free speech, sparking a national debate over media freedom and corporate responsibility. In his first public remarks since ABC suspended his show, Kimmel passionately defended free expression, pouring emotion into his opening monologue. The episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marked his return after Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC announced last week that it would indefinitely suspend his late-night show, citing comments Kimmel made about a suspect in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The decision followed a dispute between Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, owners of ABC affiliates, who refused to air the talk series due to Kimmel’s remarks. Even after Disney reversed the suspension, both companies insisted on halting the show’s broadcast. (https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-09-23/nexstar-station-group-preempts-abc-jimmy-kimmel)
Kimmel greeted the studio audience with a standing ovation and chants of ‘Jimmy,’ cracking a joke about the “weirder 48 hours” of his CEO. He emphasized the support he received from fans and allies, particularly those who typically disagree with him. He cited remarks from Senator Ted Cruz and highlighted the backing from figures like Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens. ‘Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and say on television,’ he declared, stressing the need to stand against such interference. ‘I’ve been hearing a lot about what I need to say tonight, and the truth is, I don’t think what I have to say will make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me; if you don’t, you don’t; I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind.’
The host’s most poignant moment came when he acknowledged the murder of a young man, stating, ‘I never intended to make light of the murder of a young man.’ He admitted that some found his comments about the suspect unclear or ill-timed, and he expressed empathy for those who felt he was pointing fingers. ‘If the situation were reversed, I’d feel the same way,’ he said, highlighting his deep connection with friends and family on the other side of the political divide. He argued that the killer’s actions were a reflection of a sick individual, not a symbol of any ideology.
Kimmel also revealed his frustration over being forced to cancel his friend Stephen Colbert and the pressure to suppress his show. He called the move ‘un-American’ and criticized the lack of legal recourse, stating, ‘That’s not legal. That’s not American. That is un-American.’ He noted that many people were questioning whether there were conditions for his return, and he clarified that the only requirement was reading a statement from Disney. He read instructions on reactivating Disney+ and Hulu accounts, referencing the millions who canceled subscriptions in protest of ABC’s decision.
Kimmel praised Disney for welcoming him back and criticized the company’s handling of the situation, calling it ‘unfortunately and unjustly’ at risk. He joked about the U.S. president’s desire to fire employees and the impact of his policies on American livelihoods. He also warned of potential consequences for Trump, suggesting that the former president might release Epstein files to distract from the crisis.
The monologue concluded with Kimmel addressing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which had agreed to join the show. He invited FCC Chairman Brendan Carr to appear, with De Niro appearing in a video feed, channeling his character from Goodfellas. Carr, in a podcast, urged ABC to act on Kimmel’s comments before Disney suspended him. De Niro, in a surprising turn, threatened to ‘teach a lesson’ about consequences, though Kimmel remained skeptical.
Kimmel also referenced Trump’s social media posts, where the former president mocked Kimmel’s return, calling ABC’s decision ‘a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.’ He humorously compared the settlement with ABC to a ‘true bunch of losers’ and joked about the potential fallout.
The show’s return drew widespread condemnation from TV hosts, actors, comedians, and even Disney’s former head. Hours before recording, Kimmel posted on Instagram for the first time since his suspension, sharing a photo with Norman Lear, a longtime advocate for free speech. Lear, who collaborated on Live in Front of a Studio Audience, was known for his staunch support of the First Amendment.
Meanwhile, Trump used social media to criticize Kimmel’s return, accusing ABC of targeting a ‘poor performer’ and labeling him part of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). He called the proposed payout from ABC a ‘lucrative’ opportunity and joked about the ‘rot’ of Kimmel’s ratings.
The FCC’s response, led by Commissioner Anna Gomez, condemned ABC’s actions as a ‘shameful show of cowardly corporate capitulation,’ arguing that the agency lacks the authority to regulate content. Gomez emphasized that free speech is foundational to democracy and urged collective action to protect it.
As the episode aired, Kimmel’s return underscored the tension between free expression and corporate influence, with debates raging over whether the government should intervene in media decisions. The show’s closure left many wondering if the fight for free speech will continue beyond this moment.
