As information was breaking of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show being suspended, guests booked on Wednesday’s episode were already on their means to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood the place “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded, sources advised NCS.
The sudden decision made by ABC to pull the show from air got here hours after Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr stated on a podcast that the FCC may transfer to revoke ABC affiliate licenses as a means to power Disney, ABC’s mother or father 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 normal 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 advised NCS.
“I cannot believe this is real life,” a studio publicist stated.
“For those of you who pray, now’s the time to do it,” stated Wanda Sykes, who was to be a visitor on the night time’s show.
Staffers inside ABC were additionally surprised 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 govt producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
A supply acquainted with the fluid and fast-moving scenario advised NCS that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has not been cancelled, however added there is no such thing as a timeline as to when the show could return.
Outside the theater in Hollywood, some viewers members had been ready in line for over an hour after they were advised 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 advised NCS.
“Wake up America. We’re getting stuck on stupid,” Michael Blackwell stated.
Various 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 Kimmel and his show group 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 of 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.
NCS’s Matt Friedman contributed to this story.