‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Brooklyn run Faces Uncertainty amidst Disney–FCC Concerns
BROOKLYN, NY – the future of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’s’ planned week-long taping schedule at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is in question as escalating tensions between host Jimmy Kimmel, Disney, and potential FCC intervention under a second Trump management cast a shadow over the show’s return. The scheduled run, set to begin October 2nd, now faces potential disruption following reports that former President donald Trump and his allies previously discussed leveraging federal agencies, including the FCC, to retaliate against late-night comedians who have criticized him.
The situation stems from a 2013 controversy where Kimmel aired a segment asking first-graders for solutions to the U.S. national debt.A child suggested “Kill everyone in China,” a response Kimmel deadpanned over, sparking outrage and an apology from both Kimmel and ABC, then a Disney-owned network. This incident resurfaced as Disney navigated expanding its business interests in China, including film distribution and the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Now, with the possibility of a renewed Trump presidency, concerns are mounting that past criticisms leveled by Kimmel could be used as justification for FCC scrutiny, potentially impacting Disney’s broadcasting licenses and, by extension, ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Sources within Disney suggest a preemptive solution could have been to move ‘jimmy Kimmel Live!’ to Hulu, Disney’s streaming platform, where content restrictions are less stringent. The shift woudl align with evolving viewership habits, as audiences increasingly consume late-night programming on demand. However, the show remains on ABC, making it potentially vulnerable to FCC action.
In 2013, following the China-related controversy, ABC issued a formal apology, and Kimmel addressed the incident on-air, stating, ”I thought it was obvious that I didn’t agree with that statement, but apparently it wasn’t. So I just wanted to say, I’m sorry, I apologize.” The current situation highlights the delicate balance between comedic expression, corporate interests, and potential political repercussions, leaving the Brooklyn taping schedule and the show’s future uncertain.
