Guillermo Rodriguez speaks out after suspension as 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' returns

Guillermo Rodriguez, the long-time sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, posted a short message on Instagram on Sept. 23, 2025, hours before the late-night show was set to return from a weeklong suspension. The 54-year-old comedian shared a photo of himself and host Jimmy Kimmel, 57, embracing on the show's set and wrote, "We are back full of love." The post marks the first public statement from Rodriguez since the program was taken off the air as ABC faced scrutiny over comments made by Kimmel earlier in the week.

ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air on Sept. 17 after Kimmel described the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10, and suggested a harsh reaction from some supporters. The network indicated the suspension was a pause in light of the controversy surrounding the host’s remarks, and the show resumed on Sept. 23 as the exchange of views surrounding the incident continued to ripple through late-night culture.

Earlier in the day, Kimmel posted his own message ahead of the show’s return, sharing a photo with Norman Lear, the late TV giant who died in December 2023 at age 101. "Missing this guy today," Kimmel wrote, reflecting on Lear’s influence as he prepared to greet audiences again. The tribute followed in the wake of Lear’s passing and served to set a somber yet celebratory tone for the night’s episode.

Rodriguez’s Instagram message drew engagement from fans who rushed to the comments to celebrate the comeback. Messages included, "Welcome back!" and "Cannot wait for tonight’s episode!" as well as a hopeful note like, "Let’s make this the most watched show of all time!" The responses underscored the show’s central place in late-night conversation and the enthusiasm surrounding a return after controversy.

The suspension forced Kimmel and Rodriguez to pause a program that has run since 2003, with the duo previously seen departing Los Angeles’ El Capitan Entertainment Centre together shortly after ABC made the decision to pull the program from the air. The incident highlighted the delicate line late-night hosts navigate when mixing political commentary with current events and viral reactions on social media.

Public reaction to the suspension and return has largely focused on the broader implications for political discourse in late-night television. Kimmel’s remarks, the ensuing backlash, and the network’s response prompted discussions about accountability, editorial boundaries, and the role of humor in covering sensitive, high-profile events. As the show resumes, observers will be watching not only for the comedic repartee between Kimmel and Rodriguez but also for how the program handles ongoing discussions surrounding political topics and public figures.

The episode’s format appears to blend traditional late-night entertainment with commentary on current events, a hallmark of Kimmel’s approach that has drawn both acclaim and controversy over the years. The immediate focus remains on the team’s chemistry, the quality of guests and bits, and the overall reception from a viewing public that remains highly engaged with their on-air and online personas. As Rodriguez and Kimmel step back into the spotlight, the dynamic between the host and his sidekick will be under renewed scrutiny from critics and fans alike.