"Surprised at just how monopolised media is": Internet reacts as Sinclair to block 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' from ABC affiliates amid the show's return

Jimmy Kimmel is officially set to be back on ABC. However, not everyone will get to see him. On Tuesday night, Disney confirmed the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after nearly a week-long suspension.

Shortly after the announcement, one of America's biggest local TV operators, Sinclair Broadcast Group, announced it would block the show from airing on its ABC affiliates. Viewers who will be tuning in to those channels will find local news programming in the late-night slot.

In an official X (formerly Twitter) post, Sinclair declared:

"Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show's potential return."

Netizens reacted to this, saying:

"At least people are FINALLY finding out about Sinclair. You will be suprised at just how monopolised media is."

Longshankers

@Long_shankers

At least people are FINALLY finding out about Sinclair. You will be suprised at just how monopolised media is.

Internet reactions to Sinclair blocking 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' from ABC affiliates

Pop Base took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to post that,

"Sinclair, which operates 38 local ABC stations, says they will not air ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ when it returns tomorrow: "Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the show’s potential return.""

Enthusiasts were notably quick to weigh in on the comment section of the X post as they shared their opinions on Sinclair's decision. Below are some of their reactions:

"Sinclair pulling Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air across all their ABC stations is a huge move, and it really shows how much power local affiliates still have in shaping what viewers get to see. Replacing it with news programming feels like a statement, but it also leaves a lot of fans frustrated since late night shows are part of ABC’s brand. The fact that “discussions are ongoing” makes it sound like this isn’t final yet, but either way, it’s rare to see a show this established face such a block. Definitely going to spark debate about network control vs. affiliate control.", penned an X user.

"Sinclair is the company that had all those creepy scripts across the nation repeating the same thing with talking head pathos. That’s a lot of influence and the fact that they’re inflating some irrelevant toolbox so radically is desperately cheap and deeply disturbing.", opined another.

"Looks like even Sinclair decided America's had enough of cry-laugh politics with Jimmy. When your own network prefers reruns of local weather over your jokes, maybe it’s time for early retirement, Jimmy.", noted a third.

Others also chimed in:

"Sinclair's always been politically motivated with their programming decisions. Wonder what Kimmel said that triggered them this time.", stated a netizen.

"This is like in 1968 when southern affiliates pulled One Life To Live on ABC when they aired an interracial romance. How far we have regressed.🤦🏻", shared another.

"Are they even allowed to do this ?", asked a third.

The controversy began on September 15, 2025. Jimmy Kimmel delivered a monologue where he spoke about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr called his remarks "some of the sickest conduct possible" and publicly warned ABC to "take action" against the host. Within two days, Sinclair and Nexstar announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliates. Disney, which is ABC's parent company, finally suspended production "indefinitely". The network said the decision was made "to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country."

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Also Read: Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers hail the end of "national late-nightmare" with Kimmel's ABC return

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