Jimmy Kimmel’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live!, following a brief suspension, was reportedly motivated less by personal interests and more by concern for his team. According to a new report by the Daily Mail, the late-night host made the decision to resume hosting duties “out of respect … for everyone that works for him.”
Kimmel, 57, allegedly prioritized the livelihood of his crew over his own plans. “He wanted everyone in his crew not to miss any pay and any more work than they already have missed,” a source close to the situation told the outlet. The insider added that Kimmel’s return gives his staff “some time to figure out their next steps.”
Though the comedian has returned to the ABC airwaves, the report suggests his long-term future with the network is uncertain. “He might not be leaving ABC now, [but] he will once his contract is up [in 2026] unless they offer him a boatload of money,” the source said.
Kimmel had reportedly expected not to return at all following ABC’s decision to “pre-empt indefinitely” Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week. That move came in response to backlash over his on-air remarks regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
During his Sept. 15 monologue, Kimmel criticized political reactions to Kirk’s killing and said, “The MAGA gang [were] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them.” His comments drew immediate pushback from media conglomerates, including Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group — both major owners of ABC affiliate stations across the country.
Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. His murderer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder.
In the wake of Kimmel’s remarks, Nexstar strongly objected and announced it would stop airing his show in certain markets. Sinclair followed suit and is continuing to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! with local news programming, despite ABC’s decision to reinstate the show after what they described as “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel.
Though the suspension caused significant media fallout, Kimmel received an outpouring of support from his peers and fans.
Kimmel’s return on Tuesday was warmly received, with actor Glen Powell joining him as the first guest back on air, alongside a musical performance from Sarah McLachlan. The return episode also featured a monologue in which Kimmel emotionally addressed the situation and reiterated his respect for the Kirk family, saying he never intended to make light of the tragedy.
The remainder of the week on Jimmy Kimmel Live! promises a star-studded guest list. On Wednesday, Kimmel welcomes The Lowdown actor Ethan Hawke, comedian and actress Lisa Ann Walter, and musical guest Yungblud. Thursday’s show will feature NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, The Office alum Oscar Nuñez, and musician Alex G.
For those without cable, Jimmy Kimmel Live! can still be streamed through live TV platforms like DIRECTV. The streaming service offers a five-day free trial and monthly packages starting at $39.99 when subscribed to the MyNews genre pack, which includes local ABC affiliates — unless the station is owned by Nexstar or Sinclair, where the show may still be blacked out.
Kimmel’s return marks a significant moment not only for the show but for the broader debate over comedy, criticism, and free speech in broadcast media. While the future remains uncertain, his decision to return for the sake of his crew underscores a loyalty that goes beyond the stage.