Sep 23, 2025 - Business

Kimmel breaks silence ahead of suspended show's return

Rebecca Falconer

An elderly Norman Lear, wearing a white hat, glasses, gray jacket and blue shirt, and Jimmy Kimmel, wearing a black suit, white shirt and gray tie, posing in front of a "Jimmy Kimmel" sign. — Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel in Los Angeles in 2019. Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel spoke publicly for the first time since his show was briefly suspended ahead of its Tuesday night return, with a post remembering the late TV writer and producer Norman Lear.

The big picture: "Missing this guy today," he wrote in a Tuesday Instagram post featuring a photo of the late-night host with Lear ahead of the return of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

He had not spoken publicly since "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was taken off air for a week over his comments in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing.
Walt Disney Company announced it would return to ABC following an outcry from celebrities, policymakers and fans, though Sinclair and Nexstar will block the show from more than a quarter of ABC affiliates.

Why it matters: Lear, who died at age 101 in December 2023, was a free speech advocate.

The creator of the 1970s comedy "All In The Family" co-signed onto a successful lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission's "Family Viewing Hour" stipulations that had required programming broadcast from 7-9pm ET be suitable for all ages.

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Kimmel breaks silence ahead of suspended show's return

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