The weeks-long standoff over Jimmy Kimmel Live! appears to be over. Local TV giants Sinclair and Nexstar announced Friday that they will no longer preempt the late-night program on their ABC stations, restoring Kimmel’s show to millions of households.
Why the Boycott Happened
The conflict began when comments made by Kimmel sparked backlash, leading Sinclair and Nexstar — which together control nearly one quarter of ABC affiliates — to pull the show. Their decision meant that Jimmy Kimmel Live! went dark in major cities like Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and Salt Lake City, as well as many other markets.
Disney, which owns ABC, initially paused the show altogether, saying the move was meant to avoid escalating tensions during a sensitive moment.
Why They Changed Course
On Friday, Sinclair said it reversed course after receiving “thoughtful feedback from viewers, advertisers, and community leaders.” While the broadcaster pushed for stronger accountability measures, such as appointing an independent ombudsman at ABC, no content changes or editorial concessions were made by Disney.
Nexstar also cited constructive talks with Disney as a factor in its decision. “As a local broadcaster, Nexstar remains committed to fact-based, unbiased news and content that reflects the communities we serve,” the company said in a statement.
Both companies emphasized that their choices were independent of government pressure, stressing their right as broadcasters to decide what airs on their local stations.
Bigger Picture
The timing of the reversal also comes as Nexstar seeks federal approval for a $6.2 billion deal to acquire Tegna, a move that would make it the largest owner of local stations in the country. Sinclair, too, has expressed interest in further expansion, which would require FCC review.
Changing Ways to Watch
While the controversy temporarily limited Kimmel’s reach on traditional TV, audiences turned to digital platforms instead. His monologue recently broke his personal record on YouTube, highlighting how late-night viewership is shifting online.
With Sinclair and Nexstar back on board, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has returned to nearly all ABC markets, ending one of the most significant local TV boycotts in recent years.