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5 Shocking Moments That Tried To Cancel Jimmy Kimmel (And Why He's Still On Air)

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The question of "Did Jimmy Kimmel get cancelled?" is more relevant now than ever before, especially following a tumultuous period in late 2025 that saw his flagship show temporarily pulled from the air. For a prominent late-night talk show host whose career spans decades, the term "cancellation" has been thrown around multiple times, but never has it come closer to reality than during a highly publicized, unprecedented suspension by ABC and its parent company, Disney, mere months ago. The truth is nuanced: while he faced a significant, albeit brief, professional halt, the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains a powerful voice in American television, having weathered multiple storms that would have ended other careers.

The latest and most dramatic attempt to cancel the comedian centered on controversial political commentary that led to a swift corporate response, proving that even the biggest stars are not immune to the pressures of public and political backlash in the current media climate. This article breaks down the definitive answer to the cancellation question, detailing the two major controversies that defined his most challenging years.

Jimmy Kimmel: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: James Christian Kimmel
  • Born: November 13, 1967 (Age 58 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
  • Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
  • Spouse: Molly McNearney (m. 2013); Gina Maddy (m. 1988; div. 2002)
  • Children: Four (Katie, Kevin, Jane, and Billy)
  • Primary Role: Host and Executive Producer of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
  • Show Network: ABC (American Broadcasting Company)
  • Career Highlights: Host of The Man Show (1999–2004), Host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003–Present), Four-time Host of the Academy Awards (Oscars).
  • Current Contract Status: Signed a one-year extension with ABC, securing his role through at least May 2026.

The Shocking 2025 Suspension: Charlie Kirk Controversy

The most recent and severe challenge to Jimmy Kimmel's career occurred in September 2025, resulting in the indefinite suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! This event was not a permanent cancellation, but an unprecedented corporate move that shook the late-night landscape. The controversy stemmed from comments Kimmel made during his monologue regarding conservative activist and media personality Charlie Kirk.

The Monologue and Immediate Backlash

On September 17, 2025, Kimmel made remarks about Kirk that were immediately deemed highly controversial and incendiary by a significant segment of the public and political commentators. The exact nature of the comments involved a joke or statement that critics argued crossed a line into dangerous rhetoric, leading to intense pressure from conservative media and political figures.

The backlash was swift and organized, with calls for Kimmel's firing and the cancellation of his show escalating rapidly on social media and news networks. Within hours, ABC and its parent company, the Walt Disney Company, announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be "suspended indefinitely."

Suspension vs. Cancellation: The Crucial Difference

While many headlines screamed "Kimmel Cancelled," the official action was a temporary suspension. The show was pulled from the air from September 17 through September 22, 2025. This move was widely seen as a corporate attempt to quell the political firestorm and protect the network's relationship with its affiliates, particularly after the conservative media company Nexstar began dropping the late-night show from its affiliated stations.

The indefinite suspension lasted only five days. On September 22, 2025, Disney and ABC announced that the show would resume production the very next day. Kimmel returned to the air on September 23 with a passionate speech addressing the controversy and the "tumultuous year" he had endured. This rapid return demonstrates that while the host faced a serious threat, the network ultimately chose to stand by its star, confirming that the attempt to "cancel" him did not succeed.

The Resurfaced 2020 Blackface Scandal

Long before the 2025 political firestorm, Jimmy Kimmel faced a major "cancellation" attempt in the summer of 2020, amidst the heightened cultural discussions surrounding racial justice. This controversy centered on sketches from his past, primarily from his time on The Man Show (1999–2004) and early years of Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Apology and Context

The controversy involved Kimmel repeatedly wearing blackface in sketches, most notably during an impression of NBA star Karl Malone and another of media magnate Oprah Winfrey. Additionally, clips resurfaced showing Kimmel using the N-word while imitating rapper Snoop Dogg.

In June 2020, Kimmel issued a public apology, stating he was sorry if he "hurt or offended" anyone and expressing regret for the sketches. He described the impressions as "thoughtless" and "distasteful," acknowledging that he should have been more sensitive. Critics at the time argued that his apology was "lame" and defensive, not fully addressing the harm caused by the racist tropes.

Why Kimmel Survived the 2020 Backlash

Unlike other personalities who lost their jobs during the 2020 reckoning, Kimmel retained his position. Several factors contributed to his survival:

  • Timing of the Apology: His apology and subsequent break from the show (a pre-planned summer hiatus) allowed the immediate intensity of the outrage to subside.
  • Network Support: ABC and Disney did not issue a suspension or termination, signaling their support for their late-night anchor.
  • Evolution of his Persona: Kimmel had successfully transitioned from his earlier shock-jock persona to a more earnest, family-oriented, and politically progressive host, which afforded him a degree of public goodwill from his core audience.

The Verdict: Is Jimmy Kimmel Cancelled?

The definitive answer, as of late 2025, is No, Jimmy Kimmel has not been cancelled.

He has faced two major, distinct attempts at cancellation—one stemming from past racially insensitive content (2020) and another from a politically charged, temporary suspension (2025). While the September 2025 suspension of his show was a significant, unprecedented move by a major network, it was a brief halt, not a termination. He returned to the air after five days, a clear sign that his corporate backers value his role and ratings.

Kimmel's professional standing remains solid. He continues to host Jimmy Kimmel Live!, has signed a contract extension through 2026, and remains one of the most visible figures in late-night television. His emotional sign-off for the final show of 2025, in which he reflected on a "hard year," underscores the intense pressure he has faced, but his presence on air confirms his resilience against the forces of cancel culture. The host has proven to be an enduring figure, capable of navigating extreme political and social controversies while maintaining his platform.

did jimmy kimmel get cancelled
did jimmy kimmel get cancelled

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