Jimmy Kimmel is set to resume hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” tonight after a brief suspension, but many viewers will be unable to watch the show on live television.
This includes viewers in Portland, Oregon, where KATU, a Sinclair-owned affiliate, will not air the episode.
Instead of Kimmel, KATU will broadcast news programming, following a decision made by Sinclair and Nexstar Media Group.
These media companies have collectively decided to preempt Kimmel’s show indefinitely.
Their rationale centers around fostering an environment of respectful dialogue in their respective markets.
Kimmel’s return comes after criticism surrounding his comments related to the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
In a recent monologue, Kimmel remarked on what he perceived as opportunistic behavior from some Trump supporters regarding Kirk’s death.
This led to significant backlash, prompting ABC to suspend Kimmel and evaluate the appropriateness of his remarks.
Eventually, the network and Kimmel engaged in discussions that allowed for his return to the late-night stage.
ABC described these conversations as thoughtful, clarifying that the decision to suspend Kimmel was due to the ill-timed and insensitive nature of his comments.
Tonight, Kimmel’s guests include actor Glen Powell and musical guest Sarah McLachlan, promising an entertaining evening despite the broadcast hurdles.
For those within Oregon’s KATU broadcast region, the live episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” won’t be readily available on television.
However, several options exist for viewers wanting to catch Kimmel’s return.
Individuals can watch the full Tuesday episode streaming on Hulu the day after it airs.
Alternatively, fans can catch Kimmel’s widely discussed opening monologue on YouTube shortly after the live airing, generally available by around 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Meanwhile, viewers not located in markets served by Sinclair or Nexstar have various methods to watch the show live.
Platforms like Fubo and DirecTV offer free trials that can be utilized to watch the show.
Additionally, those equipped with an HDTV antenna can watch the program over the air for free.
For those situated in regions affected by Sinclair or Nexstar’s decision, finding ways to watch live becomes more complicated.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide a workaround for viewers who want to change their registered home location to a different U.S. city outside these media markets.
This method enables them to access ABC using their cable provider login or through free trials of streaming services such as those mentioned.
Viewers in Sinclair or Nexstar territories can enjoy Kimmel’s content through alternative methods, yet the full-fledged experience available to others is curtailed.
Though Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue on YouTube will showcase his comments, it won’t encompass the complete episode.
Fans hoping for the full context of Tuesday night’s show will need to wait until Wednesday for it to be available on Hulu.
Kimmel’s suspension ignited discussions about accountability and the fine line between humor and insensitivity in comedy.
His return also signifies ABC’s commitment to balancing creative expression with viewer sensitivity.
As Kimmel addresses his audience once more, questions linger about how media companies perceive their responsibilities regarding content and commentary.
As viewers tune in tonight, they will also be watching how Kimmel navigates the aftermath of his recent controversy on live television.
image source from：oregonlive
