Is Nexstar going to air Kimmel? That question has become one of the most pressing topics for late-night television viewers in the United States. With “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” back in the national spotlight after its recent suspension, fans across the country are looking to see if Nexstar Media Group’s ABC affiliates will restore the show to their nightly schedules.
This expanded guide explains the timeline of events, Nexstar’s role in the controversy, how affiliate broadcasting works, and what the situation means for viewers in Nexstar-controlled markets.
How the Controversy Began
The late-night uproar began after Jimmy Kimmel delivered a monologue that sparked backlash from political groups, media critics, and some station owners. The reaction was swift. While ABC initially stood by the show, the pressure led to a temporary suspension.
Nexstar, one of the largest television station groups in the U.S., took a more dramatic step. It preempted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its ABC affiliates, citing concern that the comments did not reflect the values of many communities it serves. This decision immediately created confusion for viewers who tune in nightly.
ABC’s Move to Reinstate the Show
After a week off the air, ABC officially announced that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return to its schedule. The network emphasized that Kimmel remains a central part of its late-night programming and that the decision to suspend the show was meant to cool tensions.
However, this reinstatement applied only at the network level. Local affiliates like those owned by Nexstar still control their own schedules. That left open the central question: even though the show is back on ABC, is Nexstar going to air Kimmel again?
Nexstar’s Position
Nexstar has remained firm in its public stance. The company made clear that its decision to preempt the show was based on protecting the values of the communities where its stations operate. While some Nexstar affiliates have returned Kimmel to their lineup, others have continued with alternate late-night programming.
The key point is this: Nexstar has not issued a blanket statement guaranteeing that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will return on every one of its ABC affiliates. Instead, the company appears to be making decisions market by market.
Why Affiliate Decisions Matter
To understand why the situation is so complicated, it helps to know how U.S. broadcast television operates:
- ABC controls the show. Disney-owned ABC produces and distributes “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” nationally.
- Nexstar controls local affiliates. While these stations carry most ABC shows, they can choose to preempt programming if they feel it is necessary.
- Viewers depend on local stations. If your ABC affiliate is Nexstar-owned and opts out, you will not see “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” live on television, even though ABC broadcasts it nationally.
This relationship between networks and affiliates is standard in U.S. broadcasting, but it creates uncertainty when affiliate groups disagree with network programming.
Markets Most Affected
Nexstar owns or operates dozens of ABC affiliates across the United States. In regions where Nexstar pulled the show, audiences noticed immediate changes. Instead of Kimmel, stations aired syndicated sitcom reruns, extra local news segments, or alternative talk shows.
The impact was uneven:
- Large markets with Nexstar ABC affiliates saw some of the greatest viewer frustration, as fans expressed confusion on social media.
- Smaller and mid-sized cities also faced disruptions, with many longtime viewers asking when their late-night routine would return.
Because Nexstar has not made a universal announcement, each city may see a different approach, meaning the answer to is Nexstar going to air Kimmel varies depending on location.
Viewer Options if the Show Is Preempted
For fans living in Nexstar-controlled areas where Kimmel is still off the schedule, there are several alternatives:
- Streaming Services: ABC content is often available through digital platforms that bypass local affiliates.
- ABC App and Website: Episodes may be posted for on-demand viewing.
- Satellite or Cable Packages: Some providers include out-of-market ABC feeds that may still carry Kimmel.
- Social Media Clips: Shortened versions of monologues and interviews are often uploaded after each broadcast.
These options ensure that even if a local Nexstar station does not air the program, fans can still access Kimmel’s content.
Why This Dispute Matters Beyond One Show
The question of whether Nexstar will air Kimmel highlights a larger issue in the television industry: the power of local station owners to control national programming. While viewers often assume that ABC, NBC, or CBS have total authority over their shows, affiliates can and do override the national schedule.
This creates a precedent where local ownership groups can remove content if they deem it unsuitable for their markets. For a show like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” that relies on nationwide reach, such actions can significantly reduce its audience.
The Broader Business Context
Nexstar is the largest television station owner in the U.S., with more than 200 stations across the country. Its influence is substantial, and its decisions often shape what millions of Americans can watch on broadcast television.
By pulling Kimmel, Nexstar sent a message not just to ABC but to other networks: affiliate groups expect a say in programming when they believe it conflicts with their audience values.
This tug-of-war between networks and affiliates is not new, but the Kimmel controversy has brought it back into the spotlight.
Scenarios Going Forward
There are three main possibilities for what happens next:
- Full Restoration
- Nexstar decides to return “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to all its ABC stations, aligning fully with ABC’s national lineup.
- Partial Restoration
- Some Nexstar affiliates air Kimmel again while others continue with alternate programming. This scenario seems most likely based on current actions.
- Permanent Replacement
- A handful of Nexstar stations could permanently remove the show, replacing it with syndicated content or expanded local news.
Which option becomes reality will depend on continued negotiations between Nexstar and ABC, as well as how audiences respond in different markets.
What Viewers Should Do Next
If you’re wondering is Nexstar going to air Kimmel in your area, here’s how to stay informed:
- Check Local Listings: Your ABC station’s website or on-screen guide will show whether “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is scheduled.
- Monitor Station Announcements: Local affiliates often release updates if changes are permanent.
- Compare with National ABC Schedule: If your affiliate does not air the show, national streaming or cable feeds may still carry it.
- Engage With Stations: Viewers often influence decisions by providing feedback through calls, emails, or social media.
Key Takeaways
- The controversy led Nexstar to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its ABC affiliates.
- ABC has reinstated the show nationally, but Nexstar is not obligated to air it.
- Some markets already have Kimmel back, while others still see alternate content.
- The decision underscores the power affiliates hold in shaping what viewers see.
- Viewers should check local schedules, as the outcome varies across cities.
Final Thoughts
So, is Nexstar going to air Kimmel? The short answer is: it depends on where you live. While ABC has restored the program, Nexstar stations are deciding individually whether to bring it back. Some have resumed airing the late-night show, while others continue to block it.
For now, the best approach is to stay updated with your local station and explore streaming or alternative options if Kimmel is not back on your airwaves yet.
Are you in a Nexstar market where Kimmel has returned—or are you still missing him from your nightly lineup? Share your experience and help fellow viewers understand what’s happening in different parts of the country.