Sinclair-Owned ABC Stations Restore 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' After Three-Day Preemption

NEW YORK – September 28, 2025 – Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest owners of television stations in the United States, has reinstated "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to its ABC affiliate broadcast stations, effective Friday, September 26, 2025. The decision comes after a highly unusual three-day preemption that saw the popular late-night talk show pulled from millions of homes across the country, stirring significant public and industry attention.

The move marks a swift resolution to a brief but notable dispute between the broadcast giant and Disney’s ABC network. Sinclair confirmed the show's return in a statement issued late on Thursday, September 25, signaling an end to the temporary removal of one of ABC's flagship late-night programs.

Unprecedented Preemption Sparks Debate

The preemption of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" began on Tuesday, September 23, immediately following the show's return to air after a scheduled break. Sinclair, which operates numerous ABC affiliates in markets nationwide, chose to replace the program with alternative local or syndicated content. This decision was widely reported by outlets including CNBC, which first broke the news of the show's return.

While neither Sinclair nor Disney-ABC officially disclosed the specific reasons behind the preemption, industry analysts swiftly pointed to ongoing tensions common in affiliate-network relationships. These disputes frequently revolve around retransmission consent fees – the payments broadcasters demand from cable and satellite providers for carrying their signals – and the financial terms of affiliate agreements, including revenue sharing for advertising and network programming carriage.

Such preemptions, particularly of a high-profile national network show, are rare and typically indicate a significant breakdown in negotiations or a strategic pressure tactic. For viewers in affected markets, the sudden absence of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was a noticeable disruption, leading to questions about the availability of their preferred network programming.

The Return: A Swift Reversal

Sinclair’s statement confirming the show's return was concise, indicating that broadcasts would resume as scheduled. The swift reversal suggests that either a temporary truce was declared, or a critical aspect of the underlying dispute was resolved, at least for the immediate term. The exact terms of the resolution, or whether it's a precursor to further negotiations, remain undisclosed.

The incident underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between national broadcast networks and their local affiliate partners. Affiliates, while benefiting from popular network content, also seek to protect their local advertising revenue and control over programming schedules. Networks, conversely, rely on affiliates for nationwide distribution but want to ensure consistent branding and reach for their tentpole shows.

Implications for Viewers and Industry

For fans of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", the return of the show means an end to the uncertainty and the ability to tune into their usual programming. For the broader television industry, this episode serves as a fresh reminder of the power dynamics at play. As traditional television consumption evolves, these disputes over content rights and financial compensation are becoming more frequent and, at times, more visible to the public.

This particular preemption, though short-lived, highlights the fragility of the broadcast ecosystem and the potential for local market decisions to impact national programming. It also emphasizes the importance of robust affiliate agreements to ensure continuity for viewers. As media companies continue to consolidate and seek new revenue streams, the delicate balance between network objectives and affiliate interests will likely remain a significant point of negotiation.

The resolution allows "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to continue its run without further interruption, at least for now, as both Sinclair and ABC navigate the complexities of their partnership in a rapidly changing media landscape.