Ellen DeGeneres Leads Star-Studded Celebration as Jimmy Kimmel Returns
SCANDAL ROCKS LATE NIGHT TV: JIMMY KIMMEL'S TALK SHOW REINSTATED AFTER CONTROVERSY
The drama is far from over in the world of late-night TV, as Jimmy Kimmel's show has been reinstated by ABC after a tumultuous week. The decision to put his show back on the air comes despite Sinclair Inc., a major affiliate of ABC, continuing to stand by their policy to keep Kimmel's show off the air.
But what sparked this drama-filled controversy? It all started when Jimmy Kimmel made some comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which led to ABC indefinitely preempting his show. However, it seems that the public backlash was too much for ABC to handle, and they've decided to reverse their decision.
STARS SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF JIMMY KIMMEL
The news has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with many stars taking to social media to express their support for Kimmel. Ellen DeGeneres, a fellow talk show host, was one of the first to react, sharing her excitement on Instagram: "Cannot wait to hear @JimmyKimmel's monologue tomorrow!"
Maria Shriver also chimed in on Twitter, tweeting "My, oh my! & So the story continues." She went on to share a lengthy post about how this controversy could be an opportunity for more open dialogue and a way out of cancel culture: "Maybe now that ABC has made a bold decision to allow someone back other organizations and other companies who fired people will do the same. Maybe this is a way out of cancel culture and into a more open dialogue that will help us all come together, to better understand one another."
Alyssa Milano also weighed in on the situation, sharing a screenshot of the news with the caption "Protest matters. Use your voice." Meanwhile, Joshua Malina expressed his skepticism about reinstalling Disney+ after the boycott despite being happy about the news.
LATE NIGHT HOSTS WEIGH IN ON THE CONTROVERSY
But it's not just stars who are speaking out – late-night talk show hosts are also chiming in on the controversy. Seth Meyers addressed the news, calling it the result of a "massive national backlash to Trump's crackdown on free speech, even among conservatives."
On Monday night, he opened his A Closer Look segment by joking about his show's security and being on NBC: "Donald Trump is publicly calling on his attorney general to prosecute his political enemies and said TV networks that criticize him should lose their broadcast license," Meyers quipped. "But that's not us, right? We're good? What we're on a network? I thought we only aired on those gas station TVs."
Meyers also pointed out that making fun of politicians is not exclusive to Trump and his cabinet: "We make jokes about politicians and people in the news, including Joe Biden. It was just harder with Joe Biden, because he didn't say much," Meyers joked.
STEPHEN COLBERT WEIGHS IN
Stephen Colbert also addressed the news on The Late Show: "Just a few hours before we taped this broadcast, we got word that our long national late-nightmare is over because Disney announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air."
Colbert went on to joke about his own safety as a talk show host: "This is wonderful news for my dear friend Jimmy and his staff. I'm so happy for them. Plus, now that Jimmy's not being canceled, I get to enjoy [my Emmy]." He even took a jab at CBS, saying "Once more, I am the only martyr in late-night. Wait, unless, CBS, you want to announce anything?"
THE REAL REASON BEHIND ABC'S DECISION
But why did ABC ultimately decide to reinstate Kimmel's show? According to an insider, it was a combination of public pressure and behind-the-scenes negotiations between Kimmel and the network.
"We made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country," a spokesperson for Disney explained. "We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show."
KIMMEL'S SECRET MONOLOGUE PLANS
Insiders claim that Kimmel has been working on a secret monologue plan in preparation for his show's return. However, it seems that Sinclair Inc.'s policy may have derailed these plans.
Stay tuned for more updates on this drama-filled controversy – and find out what really went down behind the scenes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
