Jimmy Kimmel to return to Nexstar and Sinclair’s ABC affiliates Friday – Axios

Key Takeaways:

• Jimmy Kimmel’s show was blacked out on Nexstar and Sinclair’s ABC affiliates.
• The blackout has officially ended, allowing Jimmy Kimmel to return on Friday.
• Major outlets including Axios, CNN, The Atlantic, Sinclair, and The New York Times reported on the dispute.
• Nexstar and Sinclair have conceded, ending their boycott.
• The article was published on 2025-09-27.

Jimmy Kimmel’s Return

Jimmy Kimmel Live! is officially coming back to ABC stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair after a dispute that led to a blackout in certain regions. Reports from Axios indicate that the return is scheduled for Friday, putting an end to viewers’ frustration over missing their regular late-night programming.

Multiple Sources Weigh In

Several prominent media outlets, such as CNN and The Atlantic, referred to the dispute as a major standoff that temporarily pulled Jimmy Kimmel’s show off the air in specific areas. The Atlantic described it as a “game of chicken,” implying a test of resolve between Nexstar and Sinclair on one side and the late-night show’s distribution on the other.

Statements on the Resolution

Sinclair publicly released a statement acknowledging Jimmy Kimmel Live! would return to their local ABC stations, while Nexstar also backed down. The New York Times noted that the boycott appeared to end as quickly as it began, once both broadcasting giants reached an agreement to restore the show to their channels.

Impact on Viewers

For audiences who rely on local ABC stations, the end of this blackout means that late-night television will revert to its usual schedule. Kimmel’s return to the airwaves reinforces the program’s wide appeal and closes a chapter on the recent disruptions. With Friday’s broadcast, viewers across affected markets can expect to tune in again without interruption.