Overview

• Kimmel opened the reinstated show with an emotional monologue, saying he never intended to make light of Charlie Kirk’s killing and defending free expression against government pressure.
• ABC brought the program back after what it called thoughtful conversations with Kimmel, labeling his prior remarks ill-timed and insensitive.
• Stations owned by Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group continued to keep the show off their schedules, limiting its linear reach across dozens of U.S. markets.
• Sarah McLachlan performed “Better Broken,” the title track from her new album, days after canceling a planned premiere performance tied to her Lilith Fair documentary in a gesture supporting free speech.
• Coverage noted earlier calls by FCC chair Brendan Carr for broadcasters to drop the show and pressure from President Donald Trump, while Canadian broadcaster Citytv maintained its simulcast and filled the slot during the hiatus.