Jimmy Kimmel is back on late-night television. After a brief suspension, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return to ABC on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT. Fans can also stream the episode on Hulu.
The late-night show was pulled from the air last week following comments Kimmel made on a Sept. 15 episode. ABC’s parent company Disney confirmed the return in a Sept. 22 statement. The move follows days of backlash in Hollywood and ongoing concerns from affiliates.
What Time Is Jimmy Kimmel on Tonight and Where to Watch
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs on ABC each weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT. The show will also stream on Hulu shortly after airing. According to Associated Press and CNN, Kimmel’s contract runs through May 2026, but future changes remain possible.
Disney paused production on Sept. 17 after remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting drew controversy. ABC described the suspension as necessary to avoid “inflaming a tense situation.” Sources including Reuters and USA TODAY reported that Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar both considered preempting the program on their local stations. Sinclair confirmed it will not air Kimmel’s return episode on its affiliates, replacing it with news coverage.
Comedian Wanda Sykes had been scheduled as a guest on the night the show was canceled. It remains unclear whether she or other celebrities will appear on Kimmel’s first episode back. More than 400 Hollywood stars, including Tom Hanks and Jennifer Aniston, signed a letter supporting the host.
What the Return Means for ABC and Disney
The controversy highlights how corporate decisions can affect entertainment. Disney faced pressure from both political figures and affiliate owners. FCC commissioner Brendan Carr criticized Disney and warned of consequences, according to media reports. ABC responded with emergency meetings before deciding to reinstate the show.
For viewers, the return signals business as usual—at least for now. But the suspension and threats of preemption underline how fragile network programming can become during times of political and cultural conflict. Whether the show continues without further disruption may depend on how affiliates, advertisers, and audiences respond.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET/10:35 p.m. CT on ABC and streaming on Hulu. The late-night host returns under intense scrutiny, but fans will once again get their nightly dose of comedy and commentary.