Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback is derailed after major ABC affiliate refuses to air show as MAGA erupts at Disney | 22 Sept 2025 | Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback to late night has been dealt a massive blow with ABC affiliates refusing to air it in nearly 40 major markets after Disney announced the liberal talk host will return Tuesday. Sinclair Inc., whose local stations pay to run ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, is standing by its policy from last week that it would keep the show off the air indefinitely, though the two sides were in talks. Sinclair’s announcement came as people across the political spectrum reacted to Kimmel’s return, with MAGA raging and Kirk’s former co-host Andrew Kolvet writing: “Disney and ABC caving and allowing Kimmell back on the air is not surprising, but it’s their mistake to make. Nextstar and Sinclair do not have to make the same choice.”