Late-night television took an unexpected turn this week when ABC announced it would remove Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule. The change came after Kimmel’s September 15 monologue drew heavy criticism, and by September 17 the network confirmed the show would be “pre-empted indefinitely.” In its place, ABC revealed that Steve Harvey’s Celebrity Family Feud reruns would temporarily air during the time slot.
The decision prompted swift responses across the broadcasting industry. ABC affiliates received an urgent memo, and major partners soon followed with their own actions. Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest local broadcaster, said it would no longer carry the program on its ABC stations. Shortly afterward, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced it would also pull the show and replace it with a tribute program.
The timing added to the drama, as it came just days after the 77th Emmy Awards had brought Hollywood together in celebration. What began as a week of recognition and glamour quickly shifted into a serious crisis for ABC and its late-night programming. Kimmel, who has been a staple of the network since 2003, was later seen meeting with his legal team in Los Angeles, fueling speculation about what might come next.
For now, Steve Harvey’s Celebrity Family Feud will fill the gap, but the long-term plan remains unclear. ABC has not confirmed whether Kimmel will return or if a permanent replacement will eventually be named. The uncertainty has left both viewers and industry insiders waiting for clarity on the future of one of television’s most recognizable late-night shows.