Late-night TV in America has entered a period of major changes as ABC has officially placed Jimmy Kimmel Live! on indefinite suspension following Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial comments regarding the tragic death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The sudden hiatus shocked viewers on September 17, 2025, and ABC wasted no time in reshuffling its late-night schedule.
During his September 15 episode, Kimmel sparked outrage when addressing the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old political activist and president of Turning Point USA who was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10. His remarks were criticized as insensitive by multiple networks and affiliates.
In response, ABC announced reruns of Steve Harvey’s hit reality game show Celebrity Family Feud would air in the 11:35 p.m. time slot this week. The show brings celebrity families together in humorous trivia competitions, with winnings going to charity. Steve Harvey’s comedic hosting has made the spin-off of Family Feud one of ABC’s most reliable ratings performers.
Adding to the shake-up, Sinclair Broadcast Group — the largest ABC affiliate operator — declared it will not resume airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! until ABC addresses concerns of professionalism and accountability. Sinclair has also demanded Kimmel issue a direct apology to the Kirk family and contribute personally to Turning Point USA. Nexstar Media Group, another broadcasting giant, also confirmed it would replace the late-night slot across its stations in protest of Kimmel’s statements.
Meanwhile, ABC is filling the gap with reruns of Celebrity Family Feud and memorial specials honoring Charlie Kirk. Whether Jimmy Kimmel Live! will eventually return remains unclear, leaving late-night fans in suspense about the future of one of ABC’s longest-running shows.