Why ABC Suspended Jimmy Kimmel After FCC Warning — And What It Means for Late-Night TV
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended indefinitely by ABC on Wednesday following pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The move came hours after FCC chair Brendan Carr suggested that ABC could risk losing affiliate licenses in response to Kimmel’s recent political monologues. But could this be the start of a larger shift in late-night television?
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel after FCC pressure. What’s next for late-night TV—and could Jimmy Fallon really be the last host standing?
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Earlier that morning, The New York Times highlighted Jimmy Fallon’s lighter joke on NBC about Donald Trump’s United Kingdom visit, contrasting the tone of late-night hosts. Fallon’s reluctance to wade into politics has kept him less controversial than peers like Kimmel or CBS’ Stephen Colbert. With Colbert’s show ending next spring and Kimmel off the air indefinitely, Fallon may become the last major late-night host in the 11:35 p.m. slot. The question now is whether audiences will embrace his safer style—or crave something more daring.
Kimmel’s suspension followed his Monday monologue referencing the assassination of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk. He questioned the political framing of the alleged suspect and mocked the decision to lower American flags. The remarks sparked controversy, though the case remains ongoing. Could this single monologue really reshape his career—and the industry around him?
Disney’s decision to pull Kimmel marked a significant step, as he has long been a central figure at ABC. Beyond hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, he has fronted the Oscars and Emmys on the network and frequently appeared at upfront presentations. His political commentary during Trump’s first term, including an emotional speech on healthcare when his son faced a congenital heart condition, once drew widespread praise. Why, then, would the network sideline one of its most trusted stars?
The suspension underscores a growing tension between free expression and political pressure. Affiliate groups began removing the show before ABC followed suit, amplifying concerns about how government scrutiny can impact entertainment programming. Comparisons have been drawn to past controversies, such as Bill Maher’s remarks after the September 11 attacks, though at that time the government did not intervene directly against networks. Is this a turning point where political comedy becomes too risky to air?
Industry observers are now questioning the future of late-night television. Conservative comedy has historically struggled to find an audience on broadcast networks, leaving uncertainty over what may replace politically outspoken hosts. Some speculate networks could leave the slot vacant rather than risk government confrontation. Will the timeslot that once defined American comedy become an empty space on the schedule?
For now, Fallon remains the most visible host in the late-night landscape, with his lighter comedic approach contrasting the politically charged style of his peers. His recent pumpkin-themed joke about Trump may reflect a larger shift, symbolizing how the space for pointed satire has narrowed in today’s media climate. The bigger mystery is whether viewers will accept this new, risk-averse version of late-night—or tune out altogether.
