Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to ABC stations across the United States. Nexstar announced it will resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its 32 ABC affiliates starting Friday night, after previously preempting the show due to Kimmel’s comments about the killer of Charlie Kirk. Earlier on the same day, Sinclair also confirmed it would bring Kimmel back to its 38 ABC stations, reversing its earlier decision.

The actions by both station groups conclude a brief protest that began last week following Kimmel’s remarks on Monday, September 15. ABC had suspended the show on September 17, but it returned this past Tuesday, achieving record ratings despite the blackout from Sinclair and Nexstar.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Disney did not make any editorial or content concessions to Sinclair or Nexstar to resolve the issue. Disney has not made executives available for comment.

The return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to all U.S. markets is seen as a win for Disney and ABC, which faced criticism for allegedly yielding to pressure from the Trump administration regarding Kimmel’s comments. Disney was targeted with protests and threats of boycotts against its services, including Disney+, as well as criticism from Hollywood guilds for not defending First Amendment rights.

By supporting Kimmel, Disney has also faced backlash from some conservative groups who believe the host’s political commentary went too far. Both Sinclair and Nexstar, while agreeing to end their blackouts of Kimmel, maintained that their initial decision to preempt the show was justified, stating that the First Amendment does not prevent them from blocking content they find inappropriate. They also asserted that pressure from the Trump administration did not influence their decisions.

Nexstar stated, “We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns. As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to protecting the First Amendment while providing fact-based and unbiased news that serves the best interests of our communities. We stand apart from cable television and national networks in our commitment to being stewards of the public airwaves.”

In a statement, Nexstar clarified, “To be clear, our commitment to those principles has guided our decisions throughout this process, independent of any external influence from government agencies or individuals.” The controversy surrounding Kimmel intensified after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to pursue complaints against ABC stations unless Kimmel was removed from the air. Carr stated, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way,” indicating that broadcasters could either change their conduct regarding Kimmel or face further scrutiny from the FCC.

Nexstar’s decision to black out Kimmel was perceived as an attempt to gain favor with Carr, especially since the company has business pending before the agency. In August, Nexstar announced a $6.2 billion agreement to acquire Tegna, which requires FCC approval. Nexstar denied that Carr’s threats influenced its decision to remove Kimmel from the air.

Sinclair also claimed, “Our decision to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ was independent of any government interaction or influence.” In a statement regarding Kimmel’s return, Disney explained that the suspension was made to avoid escalating a tense situation in the country, describing some of Kimmel’s comments as ill-timed and insensitive.

Disney added, “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday, September 23.” In a memo to staff, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook and President/COO Mike Biard expressed gratitude for employees’ patience, acknowledging that some faced hostile reactions due to the decision.

Sook and Biard wrote, “We recognize that our decision created difficult, and at times distressing, circumstances for many of you — particularly at ABC affiliates. Some of you faced hostile and even threatening reactions. We regret that, but we also know standing by principle requires fortitude and a willingness to take the harder path.”

The memo continued, “As FCC licensees, we take seriously our duty to program in the public interest, even when not everyone agrees. No one has an unlimited right to say whatever they want on a talk show. Every network and station has made tough calls when on-air conduct crosses a line. That isn’t a violation of the First Amendment — it’s an exercise of editorial responsibility and stewardship of the public airwaves.”

Nexstar operates 32 ABC-affiliated stations, including KTVX (Salt Lake City), WGNO (New Orleans), WTEN (Albany, N.Y.), and others. In a September 17 statement, Andrew Alford, president of Nexstar’s broadcasting division, stated, “Mr. Kimmel’s comments about the death of Mr. Kirk are offensive and insensitive at a critical time in our national political discourse, and we do not believe they reflect the spectrum of opinions, views, or values of the local communities in which we are located.”

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