Staffer says Jimmy Kimmel Live! unlikely to return; Judge Judy could slot in as Disney weighs options
Unnamed staffer predicts the late-night program may stay shelved after suspension, with Judge Judy on tap if Disney moves to replace the show.
A staffer on Jimmy Kimmel Live! says the late-night program is unlikely to return to air after host Jimmy Kimmel was suspended last week for remarks about Charlie Kirk. The unnamed employee told journalist Rick Ellis that even with an apology and a donation to a conservative group, he could not imagine a scenario in which the show would resume. "I want to think it will. But I can't imagine a scenario in which that happens," the staffer said. "Even if Jimmy was willing to publicly apologize and donate money to whatever ghoulish conservative group that is demanding it."
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The staffer added that Disney would likely view the situation as a cost decision, potentially buying out the rest of Kimmel’s contract and replacing the program with reruns of Modern Family and Judge Judy. "Disney will look at the situation and decide it's cheaper to buy out the rest of his contract and replace the show with reruns of Modern Family and Judge Judy," the employee said. "Somehow, they'll convince themselves the worst is behind them. Until a day or two pass and they find themselves having to defend Whoopi [Goldberg] and the other women of The View. And no one wants to be in that position." The staffer also said they were not surprised that top network executives did not publicly defend Kimmel after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr criticized the show.
"I had zero faith that any of the network execs had the slightest bit of stones to stand up for their employees. I mean, yeah, I was surprised it happened that specific day. But you could see it coming," the staffer continued. "Every time some MAGA a**hat would spout off about the show, the knot in my stomach just got tighter." The staffer’s comments come as the FCC leader publicized the possibility of an investigation into Kimmel.
Carr told podcaster Benny Johnson on Wednesday that he was considering an investigation into Kimmel.
Sal Iacono, a longtime writer and performer on the show, hinted on The Bill Simmons Podcast that there were more bombshells ahead. "There are a couple bombshells still there. I'm feeling good. We're going to be all right. Everything's going to be just fine," Iacono said, touching on the broader fallout for the program and its staff.
The allegations and statements reflect a broader disruption in late-night television as major corporate players weigh their options in the wake of political controversy and public pressure. The unfolding situation has prompted debate about network accountability, the role of affiliates, and how entertainment brands respond when hosts become focal points in national discourse. While the specifics of any potential return date for Kimmel’s show remain unclear, industry observers say the decision will hinge on a combination of contractual terms, advertiser sentiment, and the broader strategic priorities of Disney, which owns the network.
The episode has intensified scrutiny of how networks handle on-air personalities during periods of political controversy, particularly when comments touch on polarity and public safety. As Disney weighs whether to keep or replace a flagship program, the industry watches closely to see whether a return to late-night schedules will proceed with reforms, reruns, or an entirely new format for an aging slate of programs. In the meantime, viewers may see a shift toward more traditional or syndicated offerings as the company navigates a complex media landscape.