Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC on Tuesday, September 23, following a brief suspension, with actor Glen Powell as a featured guest. Powell, known for his role in the sports comedy series Chad Powers, appeared alongside host Jimmy Kimmel to discuss the show. The program also welcomed singer Sarah McLachlan as the musical guest for the evening.
Lineup for the Week Includes Notable Guests and Musical Acts
The week continued with an impressive roster of guests across various episodes. On Wednesday, September 24, Ethan Hawke and Lisa Ann Walter appeared, with musician Yungblud performing. Thursday, September 25, featured Peyton Manning, Oscar Nuñez, and musical guest Alex G. The lineup for Friday’s episode remained undecided at the time of the show’s return announcement.
Sarah McLachlan Addresses Free Speech Concerns Before Joining the Show
Sarah McLachlan’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! came shortly after she withdrew from performing at the premiere of the ABC News Studios documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery on Sunday, September 21. She cited concerns about the “muzzling of free speech” and broader social issues in a heartfelt speech explaining her decision to cancel her musical performances that evening.
“It’s a gift for all of us to see [this film], but also I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with, the stark contraction to the many advances we’ve made watching the insidious erosion of women’s rights, of trans and queer rights, the muzzling of free speech,”
McLachlan said.
“I think we’re all fearful for what comes next, and none of us know, but what I do know is that I have to keep pushing forward as an artist, as a woman to find a way through, and though I don’t begin to know what the answer is, I believe we all need to work towards a softening to let in the possibility of a better way, because I see music as a bridge to our shared humanity, to finding common ground.”
Background on the Show’s Suspension and Controversy Involving Jimmy Kimmel
Prior to its return, Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been suspended indefinitely by ABC amid heightened tensions following comments made by Kimmel regarding the tragic shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, who was 31, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. ABC confirmed the suspension on September 17, explaining the decision was made to avoid escalating emotions during a sensitive time.
“Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be pre-empted indefinitely,”
said an ABC spokesperson.
The suspension sparked reactions from affiliates such as Nexstar Media, which owns multiple television stations. Nexstar publicly voiced strong disagreement with Kimmel’s remarks and announced plans to replace the show with alternative programming for the foreseeable future.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comments on the Shooting Stir Debate
During the September 15 episode, Kimmel addressed Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter of Charlie Kirk. Kimmel accused conservative groups of attempting to mischaracterize Robinson, who was 22, as a member of far-left movements to gain political advantage after the tragedy.
“The MAGA Gang [is] desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,”
Kimmel said.
“In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving.”
Kimmel also made light of former President Donald Trump’s response to questions about Kirk’s death, mocking Trump’s focus on the White House ballroom renovation rather than the tragedy itself.
“He’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction,”
Kimmel joked.
“This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend. This is how a 4-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK?”
The Walt Disney Company Explains the Thought Process Behind the Show’s Return
On Monday, September 22, The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, released a statement regarding the decision to bring Jimmy Kimmel Live! back on air. The company acknowledged the sensitivity of recent events and explained that suspending the show was intended to prevent further escalation during a difficult period for the nation.
“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,”
the statement read.
“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
Significance of the Return and What to Expect Going Forward
The resumption of Jimmy Kimmel Live! signals a willingness from both the network and the host to move forward despite recent controversies. Featuring Glen Powell, Sarah McLachlan, and a roster of high-profile guests allows the show to reconnect with its audience while navigating the ongoing social and political tensions highlighted by recent events.
With a strong week of entertainers and commentators lined up, the program aims to regain its footing while addressing, through its platform, issues affecting society today, including freedom of speech and social justice. How the show adapts in response to the delicate climate will be a key factor in its future reception and success.
