‘Jimmy Kimmel’ Replacement Revealed After Charlie Kirk Comments End in Indefinite Removal

Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night future is on pause, and ABC has already lined up a replacement in his absence.

ABC officially suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely following backlash over remarks the comedian made regarding the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was killed last week during the launch of his “The American Comeback Tour.”

Kimmel sparked outrage when he accused MAGA supporters of attempting to “characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them … to score political points.” Critics quickly pointed out inaccuracies, with The New York Times reporting that investigators say the suspected shooter expressed left-wing, pro-LGBTQ views.

The fallout was swift. Nexstar, one of the largest ABC affiliate owners, announced it would pull Jimmy Kimmel Live! “for the foreseeable future,” labeling Kimmel’s comments “offensive and insensitive.” Sinclair followed suit, amplifying the pressure on ABC.

Federal officials also weighed in. FCC Chair Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s statements, describing them as misleading, and suggested consequences for ABC if the matter wasn’t addressed. He praised Nexstar and Sinclair’s swift actions. The response, however, has raised concerns among some media commentators, who warn the backlash could have implications for free speech in broadcasting.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! Replacement Confirmed

Sinclair revealed it will fill Kimmel’s Friday timeslot with a Charlie Kirk tribute special airing on its ABC stations beginning this week. The company also extended the offer to other ABC affiliates nationwide.

“Media conglomerate Sinclair will replace the Friday timeslot of Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a Charlie Kirk tribute special on its ABC affiliate stations–and is offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country,” Variety reported.

“In addition, the company is demanding that Kimmel apologize to Kirk’s family and send ‘a meaningful personal donation’ to them as well as Turning Point USA, the organization Kirk founded that advocates for conservative politics in high schools and colleges,” Variety added. “Sinclair, one of the U.S.’s large TV station owners, has long had a reputation for having a politically conservative tilt.”

Carr, who was appointed FCC Chairman under President Trump, took a hard stance earlier this week, warning (via CNN): “We can do this the easy way or the hard way; These companies can find ways to change conduct and take actions on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC ahead.”

Sinclair’s vice chairman Jason Smith echoed Carr’s words, stating (via Variety): “We believe broadcasters have a responsibility to educate and elevate respectful, constructive dialogue in our communities. We appreciate FCC Chairman Carr’s remarks today, and this incident highlights the critical need for the FCC to take immediate regulatory action to address control held over local broadcasters by the big national networks.”

For now, the ripple effect is clear: Kimmel is sidelined indefinitely, affiliates are cutting ties, Sinclair is programming a Kirk special in his place, and federal regulators are putting pressure on broadcasters.

What are your thoughts on ABC’s handling of the Kimmel controversy? Let us know in the comments below.