Over the past few days, the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been a hot topic in the media. Disney, along with its parent companies, initially took the talk show off the air indefinitely after host Jimmy Kimmel made controversial remarks about the passing of Charlie Kirk. However, due to significant backlash from celebrities and viewers boycotting streaming services like Disney+ and Hulu, the decision has been reversed. Tonight, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 11:35pm ET, Jimmy Kimmel will make his return to screens. Anticipation is high as audiences are eager to hear Kimmel’s response to the recent events.
Despite the show’s return, there is a caveat. While Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be syndicated on most ABC stations across the United States, there are specific stations owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group that will not be airing the show. According to a statement from Sinclair, they will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming.
Is Jimmy Kimmel Live! banned on my local channel?
Sinclair Broadcast Group owns 39 stations nationwide, with states like Florida, California, and Texas being affected by the ban. The availability of the show on your local channel will depend on your geographical location.
According to Newsweek, the following stations owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group will not be airing Jimmy Kimmel Live! on local cable TV:
- WBMA-LD – Birmingham, AL
- WEAR-TV – Pensacola, FL
- KATV – Little Rock, AR
- … (list continues)
If your local station is affected, there are alternative streaming options available.
How to watch Jimmy Kimmel Live! if it’s banned in my local area
If Jimmy Kimmel Live! is not airing on your local channel, you can explore premium live TV streaming services as an alternative. Many of these services offer free trials, allowing you to cancel before being charged if you only wish to watch tonight’s episode live.
Some of the recommended options include:
- FuboTV – 7-day free trial, $54.99 per month
- YouTube TV – 5-day free trial, $49.99 for the first month
- Sling Blue – $23 per month, no free trial
If these services do not provide access to local affiliates, you can consider using a VPN to access Jimmy Kimmel Live! from a different location where the show is airing. NordVPN is a reliable and affordable VPN service that offers servers in various states where the show is broadcasted.
While there are risks associated with using a VPN for streaming, it can be a viable option if all else fails. If none of these methods work, the episode should be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day, with clips likely to be uploaded on YouTube as well.
