BREAKING: Nexstar, ABC’s largest affiliate, REFUSES to air Jimmy Kimmel on its network. Nexstar Media Group announced that it will continue to suspend “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” when it returns to nighttime.

In a stunning announcement that has rippled through both the television industry and late-night audiences, Nexstar Media Group confirmed today that Jimmy Kimmel Live!—a program long considered one of the anchors of late-night television—will not return to air when the company resumes its late-night programming slate. The decision comes after weeks of speculation and leaves the future of both the show and its host in serious question.

A Staple Put on Hold

Since premiering in 2003, Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a late-night institution on ABC, offering a mixture of celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and cultural commentary. Over the years, the program became known for viral segments like “Mean Tweets,” “Lie Witness News,” and Kimmel’s heartfelt monologues, which often touched on personal and political issues.

For Nexstar, which assumed control of many ABC affiliates and programming operations through its growing portfolio, the decision to indefinitely suspend the show reflects what executives describe as a “strategic realignment of late-night entertainment.”

In a press release, the company explained: “While we recognize the legacy and impact of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nexstar is committed to reshaping late-night television in a way that aligns with contemporary viewing habits, market demands, and the digital-first environment of today’s media landscape.”

Industry Shockwaves

The move has left many in the industry baffled. While Kimmel has occasionally courted controversy with his outspoken commentary, particularly on political matters, his show has remained one of the recognizable mainstays of late-night. Industry insiders note that suspending a program with a 20-year history is not a decision taken lightly.

“This is seismic,” said one media analyst. “For decades, the late-night format has been about consistency—Letterman, Leno, Fallon, Colbert, Kimmel. To pull one of those pillars is to signal that the late-night landscape as we’ve known it may be entering its final chapter.”

Audience Reactions

For viewers, especially longtime fans, the announcement is bittersweet. Social media erupted within hours of Nexstar’s statement, with hashtags like #SaveJimmyKimmelLive trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many fans expressed anger at what they perceive as corporate overreach into creative expression, while others lamented the end of a cultural touchstone that has accompanied them for two decades.

“I grew up watching Kimmel,” wrote one fan. “His mix of humor and humanity got me through some tough times. To think he won’t be part of late-night anymore feels like the end of an era.”

Jimmy Kimmel’s Response

As of this writing, Jimmy Kimmel himself has not issued a detailed public statement, though sources close to the comedian suggest he is “deeply disappointed” by Nexstar’s move. Insiders note that Kimmel had been preparing for a refreshed 2025 season, including updated set designs and a new roster of recurring guests.

Some speculate that Kimmel could take the show to another network or streaming platform, given the loyalty of his fanbase and his longstanding appeal in both comedic and political commentary. “Jimmy isn’t done,” one Hollywood insider noted. “If anything, this may be the push that takes him to a streaming giant like Netflix or Amazon, where he’d have more freedom than ever before.”

A Larger Trend in Late-Night

Nexstar’s decision doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Late-night television as a format has faced declining ratings for years, challenged by the rise of on-demand entertainment, streaming services, and the viral culture of YouTube and TikTok. Younger audiences, who once tuned in for monologues and celebrity interviews, now consume those same clips in short, edited forms online.

This changing dynamic has led networks to reevaluate whether expensive late-night productions are worth the cost. Nexstar’s announcement may be part of a broader industry shift toward leaner, more digital-centric programming.

“This isn’t just about Kimmel,” explained another media analyst. “It’s about the death of appointment viewing. The audience that used to stay up for late-night now scrolls on their phone before bed. The business model is collapsing, and Nexstar knows it.”

Political Undertones?

Another angle fueling discussion is whether politics played a role in Nexstar’s choice. Kimmel has been outspoken on issues ranging from gun control to healthcare, often using his platform to deliver emotional and pointed monologues. While his candor has won praise from progressives, it has also drawn criticism from conservative circles.

Nexstar, with its vast media holdings and connections across political lines, may have viewed Kimmel’s outspoken style as a liability. While the company did not explicitly reference politics in its decision, speculation continues to swirl.

What Comes Next

For now, Nexstar has not announced what will replace Jimmy Kimmel Live! in its late-night slot. Executives hinted at “a reimagined late-night experience that integrates live digital interaction, contemporary comedy, and audience participation.” Some believe the company may pivot toward a younger host or experiment with hybrid programming that blends television and streaming platforms.

Meanwhile, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on Jimmy Kimmel himself. Whether he negotiates to bring his show to another network or reinvents himself on a digital platform could shape the future of late-night comedy in the streaming era.

Conclusion

The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks the end of one of television’s most enduring chapters and signals a broader upheaval in how audiences engage with comedy, news, and entertainment. For Nexstar, the move represents a bold gamble on the future of late-night. For Jimmy Kimmel, it may be the beginning of a new era in his career. And for audiences, it raises a haunting question: are we witnessing the twilight of late-night television as we know it?