Nexstar and Sinclair bring Jimmy Kimmel’s show back to local TV stations

Key Takeaways:

• Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show has been reinstated by Nexstar and Sinclair.
• A dayslong blackout affected dozens of U.S. cities.
• The dispute followed Kimmel’s remarks about a conservative activist.
• Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group are major players in local TV broadcasting.
• The story was first published by Chronicle Online on September 26, 2025.

The Quick Resolution

Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group have reached an agreement to bring Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show back to their local TV stations. The restoration ends what the companies acknowledge was a dayslong blackout, affecting viewers across dozens of U.S. cities who were unable to watch Kimmel’s nightly monologues and guest interviews.

The Blackout Explained

The recent blackout temporarily silenced Kimmel’s show on numerous local affiliates, depriving fans of late-night entertainment. While the precise details of the negotiations remain undisclosed, these broadcasting giants have confirmed that the agreement went into effect after both sides resolved their differences.

The Remarks and Their Aftermath

According to the available information, the blackout followed remarks Kimmel made about a conservative activist named Charlie. Although specifics on these remarks are limited, the dispute prompted the stations to pull Kimmel’s program off the air until the matter was settled. With the blackout now lifted, viewers can once again tune in to the late-night host’s comedic takes on national events.

Industry Context

Nexstar and Sinclair are two of the largest broadcasting companies in the United States, owning and operating numerous local TV stations across various markets. Their decisions can significantly shape which programs audiences can access. When tensions arise—whether over contractual or content-related issues—viewers may experience disruptions, as seen in this recent blackout.

Looking Ahead

With the late-night show back on the air, normal programming has resumed for late-night television enthusiasts. As for whether this sets a precedent for future content-related disputes, the resolution underscores how critical it is for media companies to balance audience interests with corporate decisions. For now, Jimmy Kimmel’s show is entertaining late-night viewers once more.