Jimmy Kimmel pulled in nearly 40 cities—what it means and where it’s happening
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If you’re used to unwinding at night with Jimmy Kimmel’s signature mix of humor and commentary, you may have noticed a sudden change on your TV screen.
In several cities across the US, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has disappeared from its usual late-night slot, replaced by local news broadcasts.
The move stems from a decision by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliate stations, to suspend airing the show following recent political controversy.
While ABC and Disney have reinstated Kimmel’s program in most markets, Sinclair continues to hold out in nearly 40 cities across 18 states and Washington, DC.
Here’s what’s behind the decision, who’s affected, and why this matters beyond just one show.
The programming change follows a tense moment in national news: the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was 31 years old and a high-profile supporter of President Donald Trump.
The controversy began after Jimmy Kimmel made an on-air comment saying that those on the political right were “trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He also accused them of politicizing the event.
The statement was widely criticized for spreading misinformation following a politically charged and tragic event.
The backlash intensified after President Donald Trump publicly condemned Kimmel’s remarks and praised ABC for initially suspending the show.
ABC later clarified that the temporary suspension was intended to prevent further escalation during a sensitive time.
While Disney and ABC eventually announced Kimmel’s return to the air, Sinclair—one of the country’s largest local broadcast owners—opted to maintain its own blackout, stating it would continue to evaluate the situation before resuming the show.
Sinclair owns ABC affiliates across a wide geographic footprint, from the Southeast to the Midwest and the West Coast.
Below are some of the local stations currently preempting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”:
With roughly 40 stations affected, the blackout has impacted millions of late-night viewers.
This situation raises broader questions about who controls what we see on television.
While ABC owns the Kimmel show, Sinclair controls many of the local stations that air it—and their decision to replace the program highlights the power broadcast groups hold over content distribution.
It also speaks to a growing divide in American media.
As more people turn to streaming services, podcasts, and social media for news and entertainment, network TV remains a key source of programming for many—especially those who prefer a familiar nightly routine.
Disney, which owns ABC, has emphasized the need for care and reflection in times of national grief.
In a statement, the company said, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show.”
Sinclair, however, has taken a different approach.
A spokesperson confirmed that the company is still in discussions with ABC and is “evaluating the show’s potential return.”
For now, the affected stations are airing additional local or syndicated news content during Kimmel’s usual time slot.
While this may seem like a one-off incident, media analysts suggest it’s part of a larger shift in how programming decisions are made—and who makes them.
In decades past, national networks had near-total control over what was shown, but the current landscape is more fractured.
For some viewers, the removal of their favorite show feels like censorship.
For others, it’s an example of local stations exercising editorial control.
Either way, the incident reflects the tensions at play in today’s broadcast environment.
If you live in one of the affected areas, you might still be able to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” through streaming platforms like Hulu, ABC.com, or YouTube.
ABC and Sinclair are continuing discussions, so it’s possible that the show could return to local airwaves soon.
Whether you’re nostalgic for late-night routines or finding new ways to watch, the conversation around this decision is far from over.
Read next:
Will you still be watching Jimmy Kimmel—even if your local station isn’t airing the show? Let us know how you’re keeping up. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
In several cities across the US, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has disappeared from its usual late-night slot, replaced by local news broadcasts.
The move stems from a decision by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which owns dozens of ABC affiliate stations, to suspend airing the show following recent political controversy.
While ABC and Disney have reinstated Kimmel’s program in most markets, Sinclair continues to hold out in nearly 40 cities across 18 states and Washington, DC.
Here’s what’s behind the decision, who’s affected, and why this matters beyond just one show.
Some viewers are still waiting to see if Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to their local airwaves. Image source: YouTube / Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Why Kimmel was taken off the air in some markets
The programming change follows a tense moment in national news: the September 10 assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was 31 years old and a high-profile supporter of President Donald Trump.
The controversy began after Jimmy Kimmel made an on-air comment saying that those on the political right were “trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” He also accused them of politicizing the event.
The statement was widely criticized for spreading misinformation following a politically charged and tragic event.
The backlash intensified after President Donald Trump publicly condemned Kimmel’s remarks and praised ABC for initially suspending the show.
ABC later clarified that the temporary suspension was intended to prevent further escalation during a sensitive time.
While Disney and ABC eventually announced Kimmel’s return to the air, Sinclair—one of the country’s largest local broadcast owners—opted to maintain its own blackout, stating it would continue to evaluate the situation before resuming the show.
Also read: Tragic attack: Charlie Kirk fatally shot at university, governor points to political motive
A list of affected cities and stations
Sinclair owns ABC affiliates across a wide geographic footprint, from the Southeast to the Midwest and the West Coast.
Below are some of the local stations currently preempting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”:
Stations across the country where Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been pulled from local airwaves. Image Source: The GrayVine / Sinclair.
With roughly 40 stations affected, the blackout has impacted millions of late-night viewers.
Also read: The View in trouble? Trump aide behind Kimmel’s suspension now set sights on ABC chat show
Why this decision has stirred debate
This situation raises broader questions about who controls what we see on television.
While ABC owns the Kimmel show, Sinclair controls many of the local stations that air it—and their decision to replace the program highlights the power broadcast groups hold over content distribution.
It also speaks to a growing divide in American media.
As more people turn to streaming services, podcasts, and social media for news and entertainment, network TV remains a key source of programming for many—especially those who prefer a familiar nightly routine.
Also read: What’s next for Jimmy Kimmel on Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Find out what’s really happening after 5 years as host!
How the networks are responding
Disney, which owns ABC, has emphasized the need for care and reflection in times of national grief.
In a statement, the company said, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show.”
Sinclair, however, has taken a different approach.
A spokesperson confirmed that the company is still in discussions with ABC and is “evaluating the show’s potential return.”
For now, the affected stations are airing additional local or syndicated news content during Kimmel’s usual time slot.
Also read: Jon Stewart slams CBS after Colbert cancellation: “You are f****g wrong”
What this says about TV, speech, and control
While this may seem like a one-off incident, media analysts suggest it’s part of a larger shift in how programming decisions are made—and who makes them.
In decades past, national networks had near-total control over what was shown, but the current landscape is more fractured.
For some viewers, the removal of their favorite show feels like censorship.
For others, it’s an example of local stations exercising editorial control.
Either way, the incident reflects the tensions at play in today’s broadcast environment.
Also read: LeAnn Rimes' concert interrupted by unexpected dental mishap
What’s next—and what you can do
If you live in one of the affected areas, you might still be able to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” through streaming platforms like Hulu, ABC.com, or YouTube.
ABC and Sinclair are continuing discussions, so it’s possible that the show could return to local airwaves soon.
Whether you’re nostalgic for late-night routines or finding new ways to watch, the conversation around this decision is far from over.
Read next:
- George Clooney claps back, “My job isn’t to please the president.”
- Not just style: The dark meaning behind Morgan Freeman’s signature earrings
- Beloved ’90s talk show host spotted in rare photos enjoying life in retirement
Will you still be watching Jimmy Kimmel—even if your local station isn’t airing the show? Let us know how you’re keeping up. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
