All eyes are on Hollywood, specifically at El Capitan Theatre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is set to be taped Tuesday afternoon as the show returns to the air for the first time since it was sidelined last week over Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk.
Ahead of the 4:30 p.m. taping, lines began forming with people hoping to get a seat in the audience.
While it’s not clear what Kimmel’s monologue will entail and whether the host/comedian will address the national saga, Kimmel and his cast member Guillermo Rodriguez were seen entering the theater through the back entrance, assisted by security guards.
Ahead of Tuesday’s taping, Kimmel broke his silence, posting a picture to Instagram on Tuesday of a Hollywood figure who once described himself as being on former President Richard Nixon’s “enemies list.”
Kimmel shared a photo of himself and Norman Lear, the television producer who was best known for his progressive activism. Lear died in 2023 at the age of 101. The late-night host captioned the photo, which features his arm around Lear, “Missing this guy today.”
Rodriguez also posted a picture of himself hugging Kimmel with the caption “We are back full of love.”
Singer Sara McLachlan and actor Glen Powell were expected to be on the show Tuesday night.
But not all ABC stations will air Kimmel as Nexstar Media Group said Tuesday that the ABC stations it owns and partners with will not resume airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” even as Disney brings the program back nationally.
“We made a decision last week to preempt ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmel’s ‘ill-timed and insensitive’ comments at a critical time in our national discourse,” the company said in a news release. “We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”
Nexstar’s announcement adds to Sinclair, another major local TV operator, which said Monday that it would not air Kimmel’s show.
Together, Nexstar and Sinclair account for about 70 ABC affiliates, meaning Kimmel’s return will not be available over broadcast to tens of millions in the U.S.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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