Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 24, 2025 · Entertainment

Jimmy Kimmel's Political Pivot: Comedy Returns with Star-Studded Lineup

Jimmy Kimmel appears set to return to late night with guests that suggest a shift away from politics after his suspension following his comments on Charlie Kirk

JIMMY KIMMEL'S BIG COMEBACK: LATE-NIGHT HOST SET TO RETURN WITH A BANG, LEAVING HIS POLITICAL CONTROVERSY BEHIND

The drama has been brewing for weeks, and finally, Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to the airwaves with a vengeance. After being suspended indefinitely by ABC due to his comments on conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's death, the late-night host is gearing up for a comeback that promises to be bigger than ever.

Sources close to the show have revealed that Kimmel will be returning with a new lineup of guests that are anything but politics-focused. His first guest will be actor Glenn Powell, who was originally scheduled to appear on the show weeks ago to promote his new Apple TV series 'Chad Powers.' However, it's not just Powell who's set to make a splash - singer Sarah McLachlan, who publicly stood by Kimmel during his suspension, will also be joining him.

While his first post to social media since he went off the air was politically charged, he'll go back to interviewing movie stars and sports figures with no real connection to Washington

But what's got everyone talking is that none of Kimmel's guests are politicians or, for that matter, were part of the 400 celebrities who signed an open letter defending the comic. Instead, he'll be welcoming a mix of movie stars, sports figures, and musicians to his show - a clear indication that he's moving on from the controversy.

The backlash against Kimmel's comments began when he joked about the "MAGA gang" trying to characterize the death of Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of their own. The remarks sparked a heated debate over free speech, with some calling for his show to be canceled altogether. However, in a stunning turn of events, Disney announced that it was reversing its decision to suspend Kimmel's show.

THE STARS SPEAK OUT IN SOLIDARITY WITH JIMMY KIMMEL

Actor Glenn Powell is set to be Kimmel's first guest to greet him Tuesday night, a figure who would likely have been on the show had the suspension not happened to promote his new Apple TV series, 'Chad Powers'

In the midst of all the chaos, Hollywood came together to defend one of their own. Over 430 movie and TV stars, including Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Ben Affleck, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep signed an open letter in solidarity with Kimmel. The passionate plea called on Americans to join them in defending free speech and condemning the government's attempts to silence artists.

"We the people must never accept government threats to our freedom of speech," the letter reads. "Efforts by leaders to pressure artists, journalists, and companies with retaliation for their speech strike at the heart of what it means to live in a free country."

The controversy even spilled over into the music world, with singer Sarah McLachlan abruptly canceling her performance at the Los Angeles premiere of Disney's Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery documentary. In a dramatic address to the audience at The Ford theater on Sunday night, she explained that she couldn't perform in protest of what she described as the "muzzling of free speech."

His second guest, however, will offer Kimmel a chance to thank someone who publicly stood in solidarity with him: singer Sarah McLachlan

KIMMEL'S COMEBACK LINEUP: WHO'S ON THE LIST?

So, who can we expect to see on Kimmel's show when it returns? In addition to Powell and McLachlan, actor Ethan Hawke, Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter, musician YUNGBLUD, former NFL star Peyton Manning, actor Oscar Nunez, and indie rocker Alex G are all set to join him.

It remains to be seen whether Kimmel will issue a direct apology to the Kirk family during his show. The pressure has been mounting for him to do so, with Sinclair calling on him to make "a meaningful personal donation" to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

On Wednesday night, Kimmel will welcome actor Ethan Hawke (pictured), Abbott Elementary star Lisa Ann Walter and musician YUNGBLUD

As for Disney's sudden reversal of its decision to suspend Kimmel's show, insiders say it was due in part to a massive backlash against the network from Hollywood stars. It seems that the company caved under pressure, realizing that the damage had already been done.

KIMMEL'S FUTURE: WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE LATE-NIGHT HOST?

With his show set to return, all eyes are on Kimmel's next move. Will he continue to push the boundaries of free speech and satire, or will he tone down his act in a bid to avoid controversy?

Former NFL star Peyton Manning (pictured), actor Oscar Nunez and indie rocker Alex G will join Kimmel on Thursday

One thing's for sure - Jimmy Kimmel is back, and he's not going anywhere anytime soon. With a new lineup of guests and a renewed focus on entertainment, it seems that the late-night host is ready to put his recent drama behind him and get back to what he does best: making us laugh.

TheScholarlyNote.com has reached out to Kimmel's team for comment but so far, no response.