Jimmy Kimmel ended his silence Tuesday with a poignant Instagram post featuring himself alongside late TV legend Norman Lear—just hours before his late-night show resumes on ABC. The caption read, “Missing this guy today.”
Kimmel’s post marks his first public message since ABC temporarily pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! following backlash over comments he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Norman Lear, who died in December 2023 at age 101, was a pioneering TV producer and outspoken advocate for free speech.
Disney confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return on Tuesday after having suspended it “indefinitely” amid controversy. However, not all ABC affiliates will carry the show: major groups like Nexstar and Sinclair say they will continue to preempt it.
Kimmel’s tribute to Lear carries symbolic weight. Lear was once placed on President Nixon’s “enemies list” for his progressive activism and his work challenging censorship and broadcast regulation.
