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After widespread public backlash over freedom of speech concerns, ABC reversed its decision.
Kimmel’s return on Tuesday drew strong ratings, although around a quarter of the country was still unable to watch because of the ongoing blackout by Sinclair and Nexstar.
Sinclair, which had previously demanded that Kimmel make a personal donation to Kirk’s activist organisation, announced on Friday that it would resume airing the show immediately.
“Our objective throughout this process has been to ensure that programming remains accurate and engaging for the widest possible audience,” the company said.
“We take seriously our responsibility as local broadcasters to provide programming that serves the interests of our communities while honouring our obligations to air national network content.”
Hours later, Nexstar also confirmed it would broadcast the show again.
“We have had discussions with executives at The Walt Disney Company and appreciate their constructive approach to addressing our concerns,” Nexstar said in a statement.
“As a local broadcaster, we remain committed to protecting the First Amendment while delivering local and national news that is factual and unbiased, and broadcasting content that serves our communities’ best interests.”
Both networks had initially pulled the show after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr appeared to threaten the licences of stations that continued to air it.
President Donald Trump, who has long bristled at Kimmel’s jokes and criticism, has repeatedly called for the removal of the comedian and his fellow late-night hosts, describing such criticism as “illegal.”
In its Friday statement, Sinclair insisted that its decision to drop Jimmy Kimmel Live! was made “independently of any government interaction or influence.”
“Free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment over the content they air,” it said. “While not everyone will agree with our programming decisions, it is inconsistent to champion free speech while demanding broadcasters air specific content.”
On his Tuesday night return, Kimmel condemned the attempts to silence him, calling them “anti-American”.
“The President of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired,” he said. “Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”
