As information was breaking of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show being suspended, guests booked on Wednesday’s episode were already on their method to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood the place “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded, sources informed NCS.
The sudden choice made by ABC to pull the show from air got here hours after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr mentioned on a podcast that the FCC might transfer to revoke ABC affiliate licenses as a method to pressure Disney, ABC’s dad or mum firm, to punish Kimmel for latest feedback he made about response to Charlie Kirk’s taking pictures dying.
According to a supply with information of the occasions, Kimmel’s staff members had been working as regular on Wednesday afternoon, holding calls with expertise publicists concerning upcoming episodes simply earlier than the choice was introduced.
Numerous Hollywood publicists, producers, media executives who spoke with NCS on Wednesday night expressed their astonishment over the suspension.
“We are all shell-shocked,” one celebrity publicist informed NCS.
“I cannot believe this is real life,” a studio publicist mentioned.
Staffers inside ABC were additionally shocked by the transfer.
Kimmel’s ties to the community run deep. His show has been on for greater than twenty years, and Kimmel’s spouse, Molly McNearney, is the head author and government producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
A supply aware of the fluid and fast-moving state of affairs informed NCS that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has not been cancelled, however added there is no such thing as a timeline as to when the show might return.
Outside the theater in Hollywood, some viewers members had been ready in line for over an hour once they were informed the taping had been cancelled.
A pair who had traveled from Virginia to Los Angeles on trip to attend Kimmel’s taping, known as ABC’s choice “ridiculous.”
“What about freedom of speech? Why would his show be canceled for Jimmy Kimmel expressing his opinion?” Gina Blackwell informed NCS.
“Wake up America. We’re getting stuck on stupid,” Michael Blackwell mentioned.
Quite a lot of leisure trade figures who spoke with NCS questioned whether or not the show would ever return to air, citing the present political local weather and noting Kimmel has lengthy been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump.
“Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social on Wednesday night time. “Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that’s possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!”
A spokesperson for ABC didn’t reply to NCS’s request for remark concerning whether or not Kimmell and his show crew will proceed to be paid throughout the suspension.
Given the host’s historical past with Trump, it appears implausible he would need to filter his commentary or comedy if or when he returns to air. Kimmel present contract expires in May. He debated whether or not to renew it in 2022, publicly stating that he had thought-about bringing his late-night show to an finish.
“After two decades at ABC, I am now looking forward to three years of what they call ‘quiet quitting,’” he joked in a press release at the time his contract extension was introduced.
A consultant for Kimmel has not responded to NCS’s request for remark.