Jimmy Kimmel Shares His Experience Amid Show Suspension

While in the bathroom, Jimmy Kimmel received shocking news: his late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, was being pulled from the air indefinitely due to recent remarks about Charlie Kirk. The comedian recounted the moment on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, describing it as a “strange and emotional rollercoaster.”

He explained that around 3 p.m., with his show scheduled for 4:30 p.m., he was working in his office when he got a call from ABC. Surprised, he took the call in the bathroom, where the executives expressed concern about his monologue and decided to cancel the show.

Jimmy Kimmel on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in 2025 — Jimmy Kimmel described the experience as “an emotional rollercoaster,” after finding out the show’s suspension.

When the audience was still seated, the announcement came, leading to loud boos. Kimmel joked, “That’s what I said. I started booing.” Despite advising against suspending the show, ABC’s decision prevailed after a vote by executives.

Returning to his office, Kimmel informed his team about the suspension. He recalled that, on the way home, he was followed by paparazzi, TMZ, and even helicopters, amidst chaos trying to reach his home with his family.

Jimmy Kimmel arriving at Stephen Colbert's show — Kimmel described being chased by paparazzi and helicopters following the abrupt suspension.

He recounted that the first days after the incident were like “jail,” with limited communication and numerous phone calls. Despite the turmoil, Disney announced that his show would return to the air, with no “funny” about Kirk’s death discussed during his tearful comeback last week, which drew over 6 million viewers despite some networks preempting it.