ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live After 1-Week Hiatus as Host Challenges CBS's $40 Million Claim
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jun 1
ABC Reinstates Jimmy Kimmel Live After 1-Week Hiatus as Host Challenges CBS's $40 Million Claim
2 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 1
One week after pulling "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely, ABC restored the show following bipartisan backlash over free speech, corporate pressure and government regulation.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr had threatened possible action after Kimmel's comments on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying the program might not serve the "public interest."
In a new interview, 58-year-old Kimmel said CBS used "made-up numbers" to justify canceling Stephen Colbert's "Late Show," disputing claims it was losing more than $40 million a year.
Kimmel said ABC has told him his own show remains profitable despite lower total viewership than Colbert, though it often won the key 18-to-49 advertising demographic.
The episode underscores broader pressure on politically outspoken late-night hosts as Trump and allies intensify attacks and networks weigh business, regulatory and merger risks.
As late-night TV faces a major shakeup, what does the future hold for its most outspoken hosts?
With TV's top host cancelled, are corporate mega-mergers creating a chilling effect on broadcast television satire?
How can a network justify losing 85% of its audience in a key timeslot for a guaranteed profit?