The Powers That Be: Daily The Kimmel Suspension Hangover
Sep 25, 2025
Matt Belloni, a seasoned media reporter and editor, joins to unpack the fascinating details behind Jimmy Kimmel's much-anticipated return to ABC after suspension. He reveals Kimmel's soaring ratings and the conflicted emotions within Disney over his candid monologue. The ongoing right-wing backlash and pressure on the FCC are highlighted, along with Bob Iger's controversial decisions. Belloni also discusses Kimmel's negotiations for creative control and the potential impacts on Disney's brand and subscriber base in the evolving late-night landscape.
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Ratings And Viral Reach Both Spiked
- Kimmel's comeback was a ratings bonanza with 6.26 million viewers and huge YouTube views despite 23% of U.S. households preempting the show.
- Major market preemptions didn't prevent the monologue from becoming a significant audience and publicity event.
Disney's Short-Term Relief
- Disney felt relief after Kimmel's emotional, pointed return because it reduced immediate brand damage.
- The monologue was seen as a key first step toward calming the crisis even if the broader fight continues.
Brendan Carr's Limited Leverage
- Brendan Carr has limited legal leverage to punish ABC without inviting constitutional challenges.
- So far he has used public pressure rather than formal FCC action because content-based restrictions would likely fail in court.