Jimmy Kimmel’s Triumphant Return to Late-Night TV: A Family Affair
On September 23, 2025, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC after a six-day hiatus prompted by controversial remarks Kimmel made about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The 57-year-old host delivered a heartfelt, fiery monologue addressing the suspension, free speech, and the importance of unity, all while his children, Jane and Billy, cheered him on from home.
Kimmel opened his monologue to a roaring crowd, humorously noting the whirlwind of the past week: “I’m not sure who had a weirder 48 hours: me or the CEO of Tylenol.” He reflected on the overwhelming support he received, from late-night peers like Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, and David Letterman to unexpected allies like Ted Cruz and Ben Shapiro, who defended his right to free speech despite political differences. Kimmel expressed gratitude to his audience and even those who disagreed with him but supported his right to speak, emphasizing, “This affects all of us.”
Addressing the controversy, Kimmel clarified that he never intended to trivialize Kirk’s murder, stating, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He condemned the shooter, Tyler Robinson, and shared his own experiences with threats, underscoring that violence is never a solution. Kimmel also criticized FCC chairman Brendan Carr for suggesting regulatory action against him, calling it a First Amendment violation and “un-American.” He highlighted the broader threat to free speech, citing attempts to control media and journalists, and urged viewers to stand against censorship.
While Kimmel fought for these ideals on air, his children, Jane (11) and Billy (8), watched every moment from their Los Angeles home. Their mother, Molly McNearney, a co-head writer for the show, was by Kimmel’s side in the studio, helping craft the powerful monologue. At home, Jane and Billy were glued to the TV, shouting, “Daddy, you did so good!” as the credits rolled. Their pride was palpable, with Jane later telling her parents, “You and Mommy are so brave for saying what’s right.” The siblings, inspired by their father’s stand, stayed up past bedtime to rewrite a school essay about him, titled “My Hero.” Their teacher, Ms. Laura Thompson, remarked, “No grade could capture the heart in their words. It was raw, real, and full of love.”
The essay detailed how Kimmel’s courage in facing threats and defending free speech made him their hero. Billy wrote, “My dad makes people laugh, but he also fights for what’s fair.” Jane added, “Mommy and Daddy work together to make the world better.” The children’s support, paired with Kimmel’s emotional nod to Erika Kirk’s forgiveness at her husband’s memorial, underscored a message of unity and grace. As Kimmel concluded, “If there’s anything we should take from this tragedy, I hope it’s that.” For Jane and Billy, their parents’ fight was a lesson in standing tall, proving that love and conviction run deep in the Kimmel household.