They Called it Off. Now, it’s Back.
ABC’s late-night talk show is set to return tomorrow, Tuesday, September 23, 2025, after being pulled from the air earlier this week.
The network had suspended production on September 17 following remarks made during a monologue about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. In that monologue, the host said that some people in “MAGA land” were trying to portray Kirk’s assassin as not being part of their group and criticized the political exploitation of the violence.
The suspension was widely criticized. Several major broadcast-station owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, pulled the show from their affiliates.
Many in Hollywood, as well as free-speech advocates and entertainment unions, raised concerns about the implications for free expression and censorship.
ABC and its parent, Disney, say the decision to suspend was made “to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” and that some comments were deemed “ill-timed and thus insensitive.” After discussions between the network and the host, they decided to resume airing the show on Tuesday.
