Kimmel fans and curious television watchers can usually find the show on Nexstar’s WGNO-TV in New Orleans, WGMB-TV, a Fox affiliate, in Baton Rouge; KLFY-TV, a CBS affiliate, in Lafayette and KTAL-TV, an NBC affiliate, in Shreveport.
But not Tuesday night.
Nexstar explained why they wouldn’t air the show in a news release.
“We made a decision last week to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ‘ill-timed and insensitive’ comments at a critical time in our national discourse,” the company’s news release read. “We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”
Here’s part of what Kimmel said last week:
“Many in ‘MAGA land’ are working very hard to capitalize on the murder of Charlie Kirk.”
Where’s the lie?
That’s the truth. That’s exactly what happened. Go back and listen to Vice President JD Vance, President Donald Trump’s son Eric and others. Their language was partisan. It was not calming. Neither they — nor the president — attempted to pull us together after a horrible tragedy.
What happened was a government attack on free speech.
I didn’t agree with Kirk on much of anything because his words were so disdainful, nasty and ugly. I did agree with him on one thing: Living life and taking steps as God orders.
Kimmel didn’t air in Louisiana, but some of us watched clips on social media and watched the show on YouTube. Kimmel averages a YouTube viewership of about 240,000. His Tuesday night show got more than 11 million views in just 12 hours. There was a 10,000% Google search increase for Jimmy Kimmel — and that was only Tuesday night.
As usual, Kimmel did his monologue with sharp barbs, slicing phrases and remarkable timing. He thanked his ABC bosses for bringing him back. He praised Kirk’s widow Erika for forgiving the man who shot and killed her husband. He even read a statement he said he had to read to return to the air. Tee-hee.
Whether you liked Charlie Kirk or not, whether you like Jimmy Kimmel or not, whether you like President Trump or not, check out the show online.
Show anyone who wants to dictate what comedians we can watch, that we won’t go down easy.
