Jimmy Kimmel to return with celebrity lineup as late-night show resumes post-controversy

Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to late-night television this week with a lineup that leans away from politics after a suspension tied to his remarks about Charlie Kirk. ABC paused Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely last week in the wake of the host’s comments, a move that followed threats from Nexstar Media to remove the program from its affiliates and sparked a broader debate over free speech, political satire and the limits of late-night comedy. The pause drew a high-profile outpouring of support for Kimmel from civil-liberties groups and fellow entertainers, even as some critics urged a more measured response from the network. Disney then announced it would reverse the hiatus hours later, allowing the show to return with guests planned for the week.

Kimmel’s Tuesday guests include Glenn Powell, who is promoting his Apple TV series Chad Powers. Powell will be followed by singer Sarah McLachlan, who has publicly voiced solidarity with the host in recent days. The two-guest Tuesday marks a return to lighthearted interviewing after a period defined by the disagreement over political commentary and the network’s ensuing decision to pull the show from the air. Powell’s appearance is notable for bringing a star of film and television back into the studio, while McLachlan’s presence ties the program to a larger conversation about free expression in the arts.

On Wednesday night, Kimmel will welcome Ethan Hawke, Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter and indie musician YUNGBLUD. Hawke’s appearance continues the show’s trend of featuring actors with broad cross-genre appeal, while Walter’s participation adds a veteran presence from television comedy and family-friendly programming. YUNGBLUD, who blends rock with provocative social commentary in his music, rounds out the trio as the host returns to a format centered on entertainment rather than political debate.

Thursday’s lineup is headlined by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, along with actor Oscar Nunez and indie rocker Alex G. Manning’s presence underscores Kimmel’s ongoing appeal to sports and mainstream audiences, while Nunez—known for his work on The Office and other projects—offers a lighter, comedic counterpoint to the week’s more music- and sport-oriented guests. Alex G brings an indie music edge, completing a diverse set of guests designed to reconnect the show with its core entertainment roots.

The week’s scheduling comes against a backdrop of a broader dialogue about free speech in media. In the days after Kimmel’s comments about Kirk, a coalition led by the ACLU published an open letter in support of the host, noting that government pressure on media, artists and companies poses a threat to constitutional rights. The letter, signed by more than 430 film, television and stage figures, called on American institutions to defend free expression and resist threats to livelihoods in the name of political pressure. The controversy also touched on how broadcasters and affiliates balance editorial stances with the need to maintain programming that connects with a broad audience.

Kimmel has not publicly apologized for the September remarks that triggered the suspension, and it remains unclear whether an apology will be addressed in his show this week. Network executives at Sinclair and Nexstar had pressed for a direct response to the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, while others outside the industry urged a broader emphasis on artistic freedom and responsible satire. The episode lineup for the coming days suggests a deliberate pivot back toward entertainment guests and pop culture conversations, with the show aiming to reestablish its footing amid competing narratives about what late-night comedy should look like in a polarized media environment.

The return also underscores the resilience of late-night television as a platform for celebrity interviews, cultural critique and humor that can transcend political divides. By booking a mix of film stars, musicians and athletes, Kimmel appears poised to reengage viewers who tune in for variety, levity and timely guest appearances rather than political commentary alone. While the controversy sparked intense public debate about free speech and corporate influence, the week’s lineup signals an effort to move forward while acknowledging the conversation surrounding those issues.