Jimmy Kimmel made a surprising comeback on ABC on Tuesday night, delivering a monologue that stretched beyond the first commercial break. In the latter half of the episode, which drew significant attention after a suspension, Robert De Niro appeared in a comedic role as the new chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, referencing the ongoing dispute about broadcast restrictions.
Sketch Highlights Conflict with Network Affiliates and FCC Leadership
During the sketch, Kimmel addressed the difficulty his show has faced while off the air in some regions.
“We were in the middle, and in a lot of ways, still are in the middle of an unprecedented fix. After almost 23 years on the air, we’re suddenly not being broadcast in 20% of the country, which is not a situation we relish. So we reached out to the chairman of the FCC, Brendan Carr,”
Kimmel said as he introduced the spoof segment. He added,
“He has, to his credit, agreed to join us from his office in Washington, and here he is now. Thank you, Chairman Carr, for being with us tonight.”
De Niro’s character humorously threatened talk show host Whoopi Goldberg on a split-screen, warning,
“You tell Whoopi over there, she better show a little respect, or the only view she’s getting is from under George Washington. The bridge, not the guy.”
When asked if that was a threat, De Niro replied,
“No, I would never threaten Ms. Goldstein, I was just teaching a lesson about consequences.”
De Niro’s Role as FCC Chair Includes Sharp Remarks on Speech and Censorship
In the parody, De Niro’s FCC chairman described a new system where speech is no longer free, joking,
“It’s just me, Jimmy, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you gently shut the f–k up. Speech? It ain’t free no more. We’re charging by the word now.”
He illustrated the point by saying compliments about the president’s
“beautiful, thick yellow hair or how he can do his makeup better than any broad”
would be free, but
“If you want to do a joke like he’s so fat he needs two seats on the Epstein jet, that’s gonna cost you.”
Context of Kimmel’s Suspension and Continued Broadcast Challenges
This return aired just six days after Disney put Jimmy Kimmel Live! on indefinite suspension following Kimmel’s controversial coverage related to the Charlie Kirk assassination. Despite ABC bringing the show back, local station owners Nexstar and Sinclair chose to preempt the new episode on their affiliates, influenced by earlier guidance from FCC chair Brendan Carr.
Political Backlash from Former President Trump Over Kimmel’s Return
The controversy extended to the political arena, with former President Donald Trump publicly criticizing Kimmel’s reinstatement shortly before the episode aired. Posting on his social platform, he wrote,
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.”
Trump continued with a sharp condemnation, stating,
“Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny and who puts the Network in jeopardy by playing 99% positive Democrat GARBAGE.”
He further accused Kimmel as
“yet another arm of the DNC and, to the best of my knowledge, that would be a major Illegal Campaign Contribution. I think we’re going to test ABC out on this. Let’s see how we do.”
He concluded his remarks by recalling prior conflicts with the network:
“Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
What This Means for the Future of the Show and Broadcast Regulation
The sketch and surrounding events underline the heightened tensions around broadcast content regulation, network decisions, and political influence. With Nexstar and Sinclair withholding the new episode despite the show’s official return, the ongoing restrictions highlight challenges faced by late-night programming. The involvement of political figures and FCC leadership continues to shape how entertainment intersects with broader cultural and regulatory issues.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains a staple on ABC, airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET, though the evolving situation suggests more contentious debates are likely ahead, particularly regarding censorship, audience reach, and the balance of political commentary in late-night television.
