Jimmy Kimmel Live Faces Broadcast Boycott Despite ABC Return
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has returned to ABC’s late-night schedule at 11:35 p.m. ET, but the comeback has been met with resistance from major broadcast groups. While the show remains available on ABC nationally and can also be streamed through Hulu + Live TV, millions of viewers across the United States may not see it in their local lineup.
Two of the largest operators of ABC affiliate stations, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, have decided to continue boycotting the program. Together, they control more than 70 ABC stations, representing nearly a third of the network’s local reach. Instead of airing Jimmy Kimmel Live!, these affiliates are filling the late-night slot with alternative programming such as local news or syndicated shows.
The move follows weeks of controversy surrounding Kimmel’s comments about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk, which led to ABC briefly pulling the program off air. Although the network has reinstated the show, the split with local broadcasters means that Kimmel’s audience will be significantly reduced until the dispute is resolved.
