Jimmy Kimmel back on air after Charlie Kirk controversy: When and where to watch in India

Jimmy Kimmel is set to make his comeback to late-night show after a week-long suspension over remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The show, which airs on ABC in the United States, resumes on Tuesday, September 23 at 11.35 p.m. ET, around 9 a.m. IST on Wednesday, September 24.

The controversy

The uproar began after Kimmel’s September 15 monologue about Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. Kimmel commented on how Robinson’s political leanings were being portrayed, and also mocked Donald Trump’s reaction to the activist’s death.

Here’s what Kimmel said on his show that night:

"We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it. In between the finger-pointing, there was, uh, grieving on Friday − the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level, you can see how hard the president is taking this.

Yes, he's at the fourth stage of grief: construction. Demolition, construction. This is not how an adult grieves the murder of someone he called a friend; this is how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish, OK? And it didn't just happen once. And then we installed the most beautiful chandelier. Responses you wouldn't believe. Who thinks like that, and why are we building a $200 million chandlier in the White House? Is it possible that he's doing it intentionally so he can be bad about that instead of the (Jeffrey) Epstein list? …"

The backlash gained traction on social media, with conservative commentators accusing Kimmel of insensitivity. The situation escalated when the Federal Communications Commission condemned his comments. ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! on September 17, a move that drew criticism from fellow late-night hosts and more than 400 Hollywood celebrities, who signed a letter calling the suspension a blow to free speech.

Meanwhile, local television groups Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would continue to replace the programme in their markets, even after ABC reinstated the show. Together, they control around 20% of ABC affiliates in the U.S.

Kimmel breaks silence on Instagram

Ahead of his return, Kimmel ended his social media hiatus with a post on Instagram dated September 23. He shared a picture with legendary TV producer Norman Lear, who died in 2023, alongside the caption: “Missing this guy today.”

Lear, known for shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, was also a vocal advocate for free speech. Kimmel’s choice to post about him comes as the suspension is still being framed as an example of censorship and political pressure.

When and where to watch?

Jimmy Kimmel Live! resumes on Tuesday, September 23 at 11.35 p.m. ET. For Indian viewers, that translates to 9 am IST on Wednesday, September 24. While the show airs on ABC in the US, clips will be available on the programme’s official YouTube channel, and full episodes will stream on Hulu the following day.

Those with access to American platforms such as DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, or Hulu + Live TV can also watch the show live. However, since Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates are continuing their boycott, some US households may not see the broadcast.

Who are the guests on Kimmel’s return episode?

ABC confirmed that the comeback episode will feature Hollywood star Glen Powell as a guest, with British singer Yungblud set to perform as the musical act.

Kimmel is also expected to address the controversy surrounding his remarks about Kirk during the show’s opening monologue, making his return one of the most closely watched episodes of the season.