Jimmy Kimmel Live makes its highly anticipated return this evening on ABC after a brief break prompted by controversy. The show’s comeback features a notable lineup, including Glen Powell as the opening guest and musical performances by Sarah McLachlan, as the program resumes amid discussions over recent tensions surrounding host Jimmy Kimmel’s remarks.
A Controversial Hiatus and Its Aftermath
Last week, Jimmy Kimmel Live was temporarily taken off the air following backlash over comments made by Jimmy Kimmel regarding Charlie Kirk’s circumstances, which led to warnings from FCC chairman Brendan Carr. This sparked urgent internal discussions at Disney and ABC about the show’s future. Tonight’s episode represents the end of that interruption, with producers bringing in prominent figures to reinvigorate the series.
Glen Powell, one of Hollywood’s rising stars, headlines as the first guest upon the show’s return. Powell is currently starring in and co-creating the new six-part Hulu and Disney series Chad Powers. The show, which premieres on September 30, also features Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Perry Mattfeld, Wynn Everett, and Peyton Manning, who appears as a co-star. This makes Powell an apt choice to lead the lineup on this pivotal night.
Musical Spotlight and Artistic Reactions
Sarah McLachlan will perform as the premiere musical act, promoting her latest project, the ABC News documentary Lilith Fair: Building A Mystery. McLachlan has also publicly expressed concerns related to the recent controversy surrounding the show’s hiatus. She and other artists chose to withdraw from the documentary’s premiere after Disney’s decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel Live from the schedule.
“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. 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.”
— Sarah McLachlan, Musician
Additional Guests and Future Appearances
Over the course of this week, Jimmy Kimmel Live plans to feature a range of notable guests including actor Ethan Hawke, currently known for The Black Phone 2, and Lisa Ann Walter from Abbott Elementary. Peyton Manning, who co-created Chad Powers alongside Glen Powell, will also appear. Additionally, Oscar Nuñez, recognized for his role in The Paper, is scheduled to visit the show. Musical performers Yungblud and Alex G are slated for upcoming episodes, broadening the series’ roster of talent as it reestablishes itself.
Significance of the Return Amid Challenges
The return of Jimmy Kimmel Live signals a crucial moment for the show and its network amid a charged atmosphere of public scrutiny and industry challenges. The resumption underscores the network’s resolve to maintain its late-night platform despite recent controversies and regulatory scrutiny. Featuring emerging Hollywood figures like Glen Powell and established voices such as Sarah McLachlan, the program aims to navigate ongoing cultural and political tensions while continuing to deliver entertainment.
As Jimmy Kimmel Live steps back onto the airwaves tonight, the combination of high-profile guests and socially conscious performances suggests a commitment to addressing the complexities of the current landscape, while reaffirming the show’s place in America’s late-night television scene.
