In a stunning shift that’s shaking up late-night television, ABC’s largest affiliate group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, has pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its Friday lineup and will instead air a special tribute honoring the life and legacy of conservative legend Charlie Kirk.
The decision follows widespread public and political backlash against Kimmel after the late-night host made inflammatory and factually incorrect comments about the man charged with murdering Kirk, 31, in a tragic shooting earlier this month.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down in front of thousands at Utah Valley University on September 10—a shocking political assassination that left conservatives and even many moderates reeling. In the immediate aftermath, Kimmel falsely insinuated that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect, was a “MAGA extremist.” Investigators quickly debunked that narrative, revealing that Robinson held far-left, anti-conservative views and was in a relationship with his transgender roommate.
Kimmel’s baseless attempt to politicize Kirk’s death backfired. His comments not only stirred outrage among conservatives but also drew formal condemnation from top media executives and even federal regulators.
Sinclair Vice Chairman Jason Smith labeled the remarks “deeply insensitive at a critical moment for our country,” while Nexstar Broadcasting President Andrew Alford went further, calling them “offensive” and announcing Kimmel’s show would also be pulled from Nexstar-owned ABC affiliates.
Shortly thereafter, ABC confirmed the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, effectively ending the comedian’s 22-year run on the network.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr hinted at a possible investigation into both Kimmel and ABC, calling the host’s actions “some of the sickest conduct possible” during an interview with conservative commentator Benny Johnson. Carr later told Sean Hannity that Kimmel is simply “suffering the consequences” of weaponizing a national tragedy.
ABC affiliates under Sinclair will now air the Charlie Kirk remembrance special during Kimmel’s vacated time slot on Friday night. The special will also be rebroadcast across the weekend and offered to other affiliates nationwide.
Former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly questioned how Kimmel’s offensive monologue even made it to air, noting on NewsNation that “every corporation has a responsibility to ensure its product is honest.”
The fallout didn’t stop there. Even President Donald Trump weighed in, applauding ABC for “finally doing what had to be done.”
“Kimmel has ZERO talent and worse ratings than even Colbert,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Congratulations to ABC. Now fire Fallon and Meyers too.”
The president is expected to deliver the keynote address at Kirk’s memorial service this Sunday, which will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona—a 63,400-seat venue, underscoring the conservative leader’s impact on the movement.
Vice President JD Vance, a close friend of Kirk’s, will also speak. In a heartfelt tribute, Vance credited Kirk with helping him ascend to the second-highest office in the land.
“So much of the success we’ve had in this administration traces directly to Charlie’s ability to organize and convene,” Vance wrote. “He didn’t just help us win in 2024—he helped us staff the entire government.”
Kirk’s influence on the modern conservative movement is undeniable. At just 18, he founded Turning Point USA and quickly emerged as one of the most effective grassroots organizers of his generation. Many credit him with mobilizing the youth vote and playing a pivotal role in President Trump’s historic comeback victory in 2024.
Now, with Kimmel’s cancellation and a national spotlight on his legacy, Charlie Kirk’s mission lives on stronger than ever.
Kirk is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two young children.
