For more than two decades, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has stood as a beacon of late-night television, blending sharp wit, celebrity interviews, and biting political satire into a uniquely American mix. The show has danced along the thin line between controversy and comedy, never shying away from bold commentary that sparks conversation. From its origins in the El Capitan Entertainment Centre to its evolution into a powerhouse competing with the Tonight Show and Late Show, it has captured audiences with signature humor and daring takes, yet it was recently canceled.

The cameras roll once more, and Jimmy Kimmel has returned, but why was the show canceled, and what did he say about it?

Jimmy Kimmel has returned to the late-night stage after the Thursday, November 6, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! was abruptly pulled from ABC’s lineup with no explanation provided. On Monday, November 10, Kimmel, 57, kicked off a vibrant ’80s-themed week, welcoming George Clooney, Mike Tyson, and singer Christopher Cross. The host delivered sharp political commentary in his monologue, shared laughs with Clooney over Hollywood mischief, and highlighted his “Big Beautiful Food Bank” initiative, reaffirming his commitment to entertainment and community, yet he did not weigh in on the cancellation.

Madison Beer posted on her Instagram Stories the news about the show’s cancellation, stating that her appearance was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances” and would be rescheduled. Entertainment Weekly later revealed that the cancellation was linked to a “personal matter” involving Kimmel. The episode’s removal occurred only a month after Kimmel faced a suspension over his on-air remarks about Charlie Kirk.

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ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show for almost a week following a controversial monologue on Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

On the September 15, 2025, episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel addressed the backlash from President Donald Trump, his administration officials, and other conservatives regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In his opening monologue, he criticized attempts to downplay the incident while joking about Trump’s response to a reporter, who asked how he was coping, with the president shifting to a $200 million White House ballroom. The episode’s controversial remarks ultimately led to Kimmel’s suspension and the show’s temporary cancellation.

Following the September 15 episode, the fallout continued as Sinclair Broadcasting Group and Nexstar Media Group initially refused to air Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC stations, even after Disney and ABC lifted Kimmel’s suspension. The first episodes of the show’s return were held back, creating a tense atmosphere across late-night television. Even Nexstar and Sinclair held firm, yet the show eventually made a comeback, and the recent episode cancellation raises curiosity about its link to the earlier ban.

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What do you think about the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s Thursday episode? Let us know in the comments below.