Overview

• Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert appeared on each other’s shows on Sept. 30, using both platforms to discuss Colbert’s cancellation and Kimmel’s brief suspension.
• Kimmel said ABC pulled his Sept. 17 taping after a last‑minute call from executives, describing the days off air as an “emotional roller coaster.”
• Disney restored Jimmy Kimmel Live! after what it called thoughtful conversations, and major affiliate groups Nexstar and Sinclair have resumed carrying the program.
• Kimmel’s return drew about 6.3 million viewers before falling to roughly 2.3 million within days, illustrating a short‑lived ratings surge.
• The flap followed FCC chair Brendan Carr’s public condemnation of Kimmel’s remarks about reactions to Charlie Kirk’s killing, with President Trump celebrating the suspension and later attacking ABC after the reinstatement.