Sinclair and Nexstar bringing back “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on their stations

After a brief hiatus, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is making its return to ABC stations owned by Sinclair Broadcasting and Nexstar Media Group. The decision to bring back the late-night show comes after Kimmel faced backlash for comments he made following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Sinclair Broadcasting, which owns 38 ABC stations across the U.S., announced on Friday that they would be airing the show once again on their affiliates. Shortly after, Nexstar Media Group, with 33 ABC stations in their portfolio, followed suit. This move effectively ends the preemption of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on these networks.

Disney’s ABC had already brought back the show on Tuesday after a six-day suspension, but Sinclair and Nexstar stations had chosen to air alternative programming during that time. However, with discussions between the networks and Disney executives, a resolution was reached to reinstate the show on all ABC affiliates.

The Tuesday episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that was inaccessible to viewers in Sinclair and Nexstar-controlled markets still managed to attract a significant audience. Nielsen reported that an estimated 6.26 million viewers tuned in to the broadcast, which was four times higher than average. This demonstrates the strong viewership and following that Kimmel’s show has.

During the 2024-25 season, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” had an average nightly viewership of 1.42 million, as per a Disney spokesperson. The show has continued to be a popular choice for late-night entertainment, and its reinstatement on Sinclair and Nexstar stations is a welcome development for fans.

As local broadcasters, Sinclair and Nexstar emphasized their commitment to providing accurate and engaging programming that serves the interests of their communities. They also highlighted their dedication to upholding the First Amendment and broadcasting content that is in the best interest of the viewers they serve.

In conclusion, the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to Sinclair and Nexstar-owned ABC stations marks a positive outcome for both the show and its audience. With a renewed focus on delivering quality programming, viewers can once again enjoy Kimmel’s unique brand of late-night entertainment.