Is Nexstar going to air Kimmel? That’s the question many viewers across the United States are asking after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the late-night show. Nexstar Media Group, one of the largest owners of local television stations in the country, has played a central role in the conversation about whether “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would remain available in some U.S. markets.
This article breaks down the latest situation, what led to the decision, and what it means for viewers who watch through Nexstar-owned ABC affiliates.
Table of Contents
Why Nexstar Pulled the Show
The dispute began when Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue sparked controversy, leading some station groups to object strongly to the remarks. Nexstar quickly announced that its ABC stations would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and replace it with alternate programming.
The company’s reasoning was straightforward: it claimed the comments did not reflect the values of many communities where its stations operate. As a result, late-night schedules shifted in multiple markets, leaving audiences wondering when, or if, the show would return.
ABC’s Decision to Reinstate the Show
After a brief suspension, ABC confirmed that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would return to its late-night lineup. This decision signaled that the network still supported Kimmel as a host and intended to continue airing the program nationally.
However, reinstating the show at the network level did not automatically mean it would appear on every local station. Nexstar, as an affiliate owner, retains the option to air alternate content if it chooses. That distinction is why viewers in some regions may see Kimmel back on their screens, while others continue to see different late-night programming.
Current Status: Where Things Stand
As of now, the show is back on ABC nationally, but Nexstar’s position remains cautious. Some of its stations have quietly resumed airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” while others continue to fill the slot with syndicated reruns, local news, or other late-night options.
For viewers, this has created an uneven situation:
- In some markets: The show has returned to its regular 11:35 p.m. slot.
- In other markets: Replacement programming is still running, even though ABC has reinstated Kimmel.
This patchwork approach means that the answer to is Nexstar going to air Kimmel really depends on the city you live in.
How Affiliate Decisions Work
To understand why the situation varies, it helps to know how the broadcast system works:
- ABC owns the program. It distributes “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” nationwide.
- Nexstar owns local ABC stations. While these affiliates carry most ABC content, they can choose to preempt certain shows.
- Viewers depend on affiliates. If your ABC station is Nexstar-owned and chooses not to air Kimmel, you won’t see it live on television, even though ABC broadcasts it elsewhere.
This arrangement is common in U.S. broadcasting and explains why not all viewers are experiencing the same late-night lineup.
Viewer Impact in Different Markets
Nexstar owns dozens of ABC affiliates across the United States, including stations in major and mid-sized cities. When the preemption was announced, many late-night fans found themselves without access to the show.
For those living in areas where the show is still off the air, options include:
- Watching alternate programming chosen by the station.
- Accessing ABC content through streaming platforms, where available.
- Checking ABC’s national schedule if the local affiliate does not carry the show.
Why Nexstar’s Decision Matters
The question of whether Nexstar airs Kimmel is more than just about one show. Nexstar is one of the largest television station owners in America, reaching millions of households. Its programming choices have a direct effect on what viewers can access in many regions.
If Nexstar maintains a partial or complete block on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” it would significantly shrink the program’s reach, even though ABC continues to support it.
Possible Paths Forward
The situation remains fluid. Here are the most likely scenarios:
- Full Return Across All Stations: Nexstar could eventually decide to restore the show on every ABC affiliate, aligning with the national broadcast.
- Selective Airing: Some stations may continue to air Kimmel while others keep him off the schedule.
- Permanent Replacement: In certain markets, Nexstar may choose to replace the show permanently with syndicated programming or extended local news.
What Viewers Can Do
If you are asking is Nexstar going to air Kimmel in your city, the best steps include:
- Check your local ABC affiliate’s schedule. The station’s website or TV guide will show whether “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is listed.
- Pay attention to station announcements. Affiliates often release programming updates if changes are long-term.
- Look for streaming alternatives. ABC offers other platforms where viewers can catch episodes if their local station doesn’t carry the show.
Key Takeaways
- The controversy led Nexstar to preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on its ABC affiliates.
- ABC has reinstated the show nationwide, but Nexstar stations are not required to air it.
- Some Nexstar markets have resumed airing Kimmel, while others still block it.
- Viewers should check local listings, as the situation varies city by city.
Final Thoughts
So, is Nexstar going to air Kimmel? The answer depends entirely on where you live. While ABC has restored the show nationally, Nexstar continues to evaluate its position on a station-by-station basis. For now, some viewers will see Kimmel back on their late-night schedule, while others may need to turn to alternate options.
Are you in a Nexstar market where the show has returned—or are you still waiting? Share your experience and let other fans know how your local station is handling the situation.