Stars and Politicians React to Kimmel's Return with Mixed Opinions

A night filled with support from Hollywood, media figures, and politicians welcomed Jimmy Kimmel back to host "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" This comes after a week-long suspension due to his remarks about the Charlie Kirk shooting.

"Thank you to everyone," Kimmel stated to an eager audience. "Your support mattered. You spoke out, and your voices empowered mine. I won’t forget it," he emotionally expressed.

During his return, Kimmel targeted FCC Chair Brendan Carr and President Donald Trump, criticizing them for imposing limits on free speech. He also clarified his comments about Kirk's shooting, stating his intentions were not to belittle the incident.

The show's renewal sparked joy among famous faces and political figures, though not everyone was pleased.

Donald Trump

Just before Kimmel's broadcast, Trump voiced his contempt on Truth Social. "ABC's Fake News reinstated Kimmel," he exclaimed. "The White House was told his show was finished! Now his viewer base has disappeared, and his 'talent' was never present to begin with." Trump even suggested a potential lawsuit against ABC's choice to air Kimmel's show.

Ben Stiller

Actor Ben Stiller shared his thoughts on Kimmel's eloquence. He declared on X, "Jimmy Kimmel's monologue was exceptional." Previously, reacting to Kimmel's suspension, Stiller had remarked, "This isn’t right."

Don Lemon

Former CNN anchor Don Lemon released a video on Threads, praising Kimmel's "wonderful" delivery, noting how it "hit the perfect note." Lemon chastised anyone who wished for Kimmel's exit, particularly pointing out the likes of Trump and Carr, for disregarding freedom of speech.

Lemon further argued that such actions were against patriotic and religious values, labeling them inconsistent with Christian teachings and constitutional fidelity.

Stephen King

Celebrated horror author Stephen King expressed relief over Kimmel's return in a Bluesky post: "Jimmy Kimmel's back, and I'm glad."

Andrew Kolvet from Turning Point USA

Andrew Kolvet, representing the conservative group started by Charlie Kirk, critiqued Kimmel's statements regarding Kirk as insufficient. He demanded an apology "for spreading falsehoods." After Disney backtracked on the show’s cancellation, Kolvet hoped that Nexstar and Sinclair wouldn't follow Disney's footsteps.

Stephen Colbert

Colbert, on "The Late Show," wittily acknowledged Kimmel's return, giving a shout-out to his audience, playfully guessing that only his wife might be watching him instead of ABC.

Cheering for Kimmel's comeback, Colbert teasingly noted the irony of being a "late-night martyr," referencing CBS's future plans to cut his show in May 2026.

Amy Klobuchar

From Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar warmly welcomed Kimmel back on Bluesky with snippets from his monologue.

Regarding Trump’s critique of Kimmel’s skills and appeal, Klobuchar cheerfully countered, "He certainly showed talent tonight!" She proudly proclaimed, "Welcome back, Jimmy Kimmel!"

Gavin Newsom

California's Governor Gavin Newsom shared on X, emphasizing Kimmel's words: "Our show matters for the freedom it represents." With the single word "exactly," Newsom aligned with Kimmel's sentiments, having earlier shown his support. After Disney reversed its cancellation decision, Newsom celebrated the triumph for free expression, thanking supporters except for Brendan Carr.