The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has already sparked outrage from colleagues, fans, and free-speech advocates. But according to Jimmy Kimmel’s cousin, Sal Iacono, the late-night drama may be entering an even more explosive phase.

Better known to viewers as Cousin Sal, Iacono has been part of Kimmel’s comedic universe for more than two decades, first appearing on The Man Show and later becoming a recurring personality on Jimmy Kimmel Live! itself. His recent comments suggest that the story is far from over — and that “bombshells” could still be on the way.

Cousin Sal Breaks His Silence

Appearing on The Bill Simmons Podcast on Sunday, Sept. 21, Cousin Sal addressed the elephant in the room: the suspension of Kimmel’s show by ABC just days earlier. Dressed in a Jimmy Kimmel hat, he tread carefully, mindful of the hundreds of staffers whose jobs are hanging in the balance.

“I wish I could say anything. There are a couple bombshells still there,” Sal teased. “I’m feeling good. We’re going to be all right. Everything’s going to be just fine… That’s all I have to say right now. I can’t really say anything. You and I know too much. It’s very emotional.”

The cryptic remarks have only fueled speculation about what’s next. Are the “bombshells” related to ABC’s internal deliberations? To political pressure from the FCC and Trump administration? Or perhaps to Kimmel himself weighing a new chapter outside of Disney?

A Family Affair

One reason Sal’s comments resonate so strongly is that family has always been at the heart of Kimmel’s late-night persona.

Cousin Sal became a household name thanks to staged pranks, both on celebrities and on unsuspecting strangers, often masterminded with Jimmy himself.

Other family members, including Aunt Chippy and Kimmel’s real-life parents, have appeared on the show, creating a running gag that blurred the line between personal life and professional comedy.

This dynamic made Jimmy Kimmel Live! feel more intimate than its competitors — less like a slick TV production and more like a family gathering that audiences were invited to watch.

For Sal to step forward now, in the middle of a crisis, is significant. He isn’t just a co-worker — he’s a member of the family Kimmel has built both on and off camera.

Family Humor in Dark Times

During the podcast, Sal lightened the mood with an anecdote about how the family has processed the suspension. His teenage son, he explained, broke the ice by mentioning the controversy directly to Kimmel.

Kimmel, true to form, cracked a joke at his own expense, diffusing the tension and reminding everyone that humor is his default defense mechanism.

It was a small but telling moment: even under extraordinary pressure, Kimmel remains the same comedian who has spent 20 years turning personal vulnerability into national conversation.

The Uncertain Fate of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Since ABC suspended the show on Sept. 17, the network has offered no timeline for a return. Industry insiders have suggested that Disney may simply buy out Kimmel’s contract rather than fight continued political battles over his content.

Others believe the show could return after a cooling-off period — though the optics of reinstating Kimmel after bowing to FCC and affiliate pressure could prove awkward.

Sal’s comments, especially his reassurance that “everything’s going to be just fine,” suggest that Kimmel may be preparing for a soft landing even if Jimmy Kimmel Live! never returns.

A Wave of Support

Kimmel has remained silent since the suspension, but the industry has not.

Stephen Colbert, whose own Late Show is set to end in 2026, called the suspension a “blatant assault on freedom of speech.”

Jon Stewart devoted a special Daily Show episode to the controversy, framing it as a global free-expression issue.

Seth Meyers told his audience: “This is a pivotal moment in our democracy, and we must all stand up for the principles of free expression.”

Even Jay Leno, once mocked mercilessly by Kimmel during the 2010 Tonight Show saga, surprised observers by defending him.

On Sept. 22, over 400 celebrities and the ACLU signed an open letter condemning Disney’s decision and defending Kimmel’s right to speak freely.

The solidarity underscores how Kimmel’s case has become a flashpoint for the entire entertainment industry, a test of whether corporate networks can resist political pressure.

The Cousin Sal Factor

For viewers, Cousin Sal has always been more than a sidekick. His presence grounded Kimmel’s show in a sense of authenticity. Where other late-night programs leaned heavily on polished sketches, Kimmel’s use of family — and especially Sal — reminded audiences that comedy can come from real relationships, real awkwardness, and real trust.

That history gives Sal’s comments about “bombshells” unusual weight. He isn’t a random insider gossiping to the press. He’s one of Kimmel’s longest collaborators and closest confidants, someone who knows the host’s mindset and likely has access to behind-the-scenes developments.

What Could the “Bombshells” Be?

While Sal declined to elaborate, speculation about what’s coming next includes:

Legal Action — Disney or Kimmel could challenge the FCC’s involvement, arguing that political interference has violated free speech.

Exit Strategy — Kimmel might negotiate a buyout and move to another platform, such as Netflix, Amazon, or even a premium cable outlet like HBO.

Affiliate Rebellion — Additional station owners could break ranks, creating new pressure on ABC to reverse its decision.

Corporate Fallout — Disney’s leadership could face internal dissent or shareholder questions about why they folded so quickly under government scrutiny.

Whatever the case, Cousin Sal’s tease ensures that all eyes remain locked on the story.

Conclusion: Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop

The saga of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has already become one of the most consequential moments in the history of late-night television. It has drawn in celebrities, labor unions, politicians, and rival hosts — transforming a monologue controversy into a national free-speech debate.

By hinting at “a couple bombshells still there,” Cousin Sal has made clear that the story is not over. Whether those revelations come from Kimmel himself, from Disney, or from outside forces, they are likely to reshape not only Kimmel’s future but the role of comedy and dissent on American television.

As Sal put it, “We’re going to be all right. Everything’s going to be just fine.” But whether “fine” means Kimmel’s triumphant return, or his graceful exit into a new chapter, remains to be seen.