Episode 228: The Suspension of Jimmy Kimmel

Today Asif and Ali discuss the suspension of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ by ABC and Disney. The guys start off by discussing the career of Jimmy Kimmel, including his start in radio, ‘Win Ben Stein’s Money’ and ‘The Man Show’ (3:18). They then discuss the success and early years of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’. 

The guys then take an aside and discuss how Asif became a fan of Kimmel’s due to his advocacy for universal healthcare (15:09). They discuss how Kimmel’s son was diagnosed with congenital heart disease, namely Tetralogy of Fallot. Asif describes what this disease is, the main symptoms and how common it is. He then goes over how most children need surgery within the first year of life, but if they receive this surgery, they can survive until adulthood. They then discuss how Kimmel was influential in advocating against a bill whose aim was to repeal aspects of the Affordable Care Act. 

Finally the guys discuss what exactly Jimmy Kimmel said in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assasination (24:47), FCC Brendan Carr’s reaction to it, and how this led to ABC affiliates refusing to air Kimmel’s show and eventually ABC suspending the show. Ali and Asif then talk about the fallout from this decision and the reaction from comedians and the entertainment world. 

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. 

Jimmy Kimmel Reveals Newborn Son’s Open-Heart Surgery in Emotional Monologue:https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-reveals-newborn-sons-open-heart-surgery-emotional-monologue-999346/

Tetralogy of Fallot: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513288/

Jimmy Kimmel Did Not Say Exactly What You Think He Said: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-comments-interpretation-1236375214/

How Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension Went Down: Sponsor Panic, a Defiant Host and a Painful Call: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/how-jimmy-kimmel-benched-by-disney-dana-walden-1236374959/

What to Know About Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Being Suspended: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/business/jimmy-kimmel-show-abc-kirk-fcc.html

FCC commissioner: ‘We don’t have the authority’ to retaliate against broadcasters: https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5511868-fcc-commissioner-anna-gomez-broadcasters-retaliation/

Jimmy Kimmel was pulled off air. Anyone could be next, says comedian: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/jimmy-kimmel-was-pulled-off-air-anyone-could-be-next-says-comedian-1.7638732

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