Jimmy Kimmel returned to Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night after ABC lifted his five-day suspension, using his monologue to both criticize and commend his network.
Kimmel told viewers he “did not agree” with ABC and its parent comany Disney’s decision to pull him off the air last week, describing “many conversations” with the network before his reinstatement. “I was not happy when they pulled me off the air on Wednesday. I did not agree with that decision and I told them that,” he said.
But the host also praised Disney for ultimately bringing him back despite pressure from its affilates and the federal government. “Even though they didn’t have to, they really didn’t have to—this is a giant company, we have short attention spans and I am a tiny part of the Disney corporation—they welcomed me back on the air,” Kimmel said. “And I thank them for that, because I know that unfortunately and I think unjustly, this puts them at risk.”
"I've done almost 4,000 shows on ABC, and over that time, the people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot." pic.twitter.com/bvk8pu4v9x
— LateNighter (@latenightercom) September 24, 2025
Kimmel pointed out that ABC has stood behind him through nearly 4,000 episodes over 23 years, even as his show changed tone and focus.
“The people who run this network have allowed me to evolve and to stretch the boundaries of what was once traditional for a late-night talk show, even when it made them uncomfortable, which I do a lot,” he said. “Every night, they defended my right to poke fun at our leaders and to advocate for subjects that I think are important by allowing me to use their platform, and I am grateful for that.”
