By Aastha Raj

Copyright indiatimes

Jimmy Kimmel returns to ABC: How many billions did Disney lose during his suspension and why the show was reinstated?

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to the airwaves this week after Disney-owned ABC abruptly pulled his programme last Tuesday, triggering controversy, political debate, and a sharp erosion in Disney’s stock value. The network confirmed on Monday that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will resume on Tuesday night at its regular time slot after what executives described as “constructive conversations” with the host.The decision closes a turbulent week that saw Disney lose nearly USD 5 billion in market value, face boycotts from viewers, and withstand a barrage of criticism from Hollywood and political leaders alike.Why Was Jimmy Kimmel Suspended?The sequence began on September 17 when ABC announced the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a heated national debate over conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination at a Utah university event. During his broadcast, Kimmel criticised U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters for their reaction to the killing, describing their attempts to politicise the tragedy as “childish.”ABC justified its decision by stating the remarks were “ill-timed” and could inflame already heightened emotions across the country. The network stressed it was acting out of caution, not censorship.However, media scholars and critics quickly questioned the rationale. “It was a reactive move that underestimated both the audience’s maturity and the costs of silencing a voice at the centre of national conversations,” said Professor Susan Campbell of the University of New Haven.Live EventsPolitical and Industry BacklashThe suspension sparked an unusual bipartisan storm. Former U.S. President Barack Obama openly criticised the Federal Communications Commission’s calls for action against Kimmel, describing it as “precisely the kind of government coercion the First Amendment was designed to prevent.”Hollywood unions representing over 400,000 film and broadcast workers also rallied behind Kimmel, warning that yielding to political pressure would set a damaging precedent for free expression in entertainment. Several fellow talk-show hosts expressed solidarity, while celebrities such as actor Misha Collins cancelled Disney+ subscriptions in protest.Social media amplified the reaction, with hashtags like #CancelDisney and #StandWithKimmel trending globally.Disney Faces Business FalloutBeyond the political arguments, Disney confronted immediate financial and consumer fallout. Between September 17 and 23, Disney’s stock fell by 2.39 percent, equivalent to nearly USD 4.99 billion in market value. Analysts attributed much of the decline to consumer cancellations of Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, as viewers associated the suspension with censorship.“Consumers were exercising their own First Amendment rights in the marketplace,” Campbell noted. “It was a reminder that silencing a popular show carries measurable economic risks.”Sinclair Broadcasting, one of the largest owners of local ABC affiliates, replaced Kimmel’s show with news programming. Nexstar, another major broadcaster, also dropped the show but has not confirmed if it will reinstate it after Kimmel’s return.Why Did Disney Reinstate Jimmy Kimmel?On Monday, Disney said it had engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel over the past week and concluded that the show should return. The statement emphasised that the reinstatement was not only about supporting artistic freedom but also about acknowledging viewers’ right to hear diverse perspectives.Trump and MAGA Applaud the SuspensionWhile critics lambasted Disney’s suspension, U.S. President Donald Trump and his supporters celebrated the move. Trump congratulated ABC for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” dismissing Kimmel as talentless and pointing to his ratings compared to rivals.Turning Point USA, the youth organisation co-founded by Kirk, described the reinstatement as “Disney and ABC caving in to pressure.” Conservative commentators framed Disney’s reversal as a sign of weakness, while liberal commentators saw it as a reaffirmation of free speech.What Next for Disney and Kimmel?Kimmel is expected to address the suspension during his Tuesday night broadcast, though it remains unclear whether he will revisit the remarks that sparked the controversy. Viewership for his return is anticipated to surge, with media observers predicting a spike in ratings driven by heightened attention.For Disney, the episode has underscored the risks of reactive decision-making in an era when consumer sentiment quickly translates into financial losses. The company now faces the task of repairing its relationship with audiences while balancing its role as both a business and a cultural influencer.FAQsWhy was Jimmy Kimmel suspended from ABC? Jimmy Kimmel’s show was pulled on September 17 after remarks he made about conservatives’ reaction to Charlie Kirk’s killing. Disney said the comments were “ill-timed and insensitive” during a tense national moment.What did Disney lose during Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension? Disney’s stock value dropped by nearly USD 5 billion, equivalent to a 2.39 percent decline, amid mass cancellations of Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

Read More News onsinclair broadcast groupjimmy kimmel returnsinclair abc stationskimmel back on airsinclair broadcast group stationsis jimmy kimmel coming backis jimmy kimmel back on the airwhat time is jimmy kimmel on tonightjimmy kimmel back on airhow to watch jimmy kimmel live

(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless

(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onsinclair broadcast groupjimmy kimmel returnsinclair abc stationskimmel back on airsinclair broadcast group stationsis jimmy kimmel coming backis jimmy kimmel back on the airwhat time is jimmy kimmel on tonightjimmy kimmel back on airhow to watch jimmy kimmel live(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates….moreless

Explore More Stories123