Jimmy Kimmel's shocking reason for returning to ABC after suspension revealed

Jimmy Kimmel is back on ABC, but his decision wasn't about saving face or chasing ratings. According to a new report, the late-night host agreed to return for the sake of the people who work alongside him.

The Daily Mail reported that Kimmel, 57, chose to end his suspension "out of respect" for his staff. After nearly two decades on the air, the comedian reportedly didn't want his team to lose paychecks during the program's sudden break. A source close to the show said he wanted to give his crew "time to figure out their next steps."

Behind the scenes, insiders claim Kimmel was ready to walk away for good. While his ABC contract runs until 2026, the report suggests he may leave unless the network offers a significant new deal.

Fallout From a Controversial Suspension

ABC pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! last week following the host's fiery monologue about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death. Nexstar Media objected to the remarks, while Sinclair Broadcast Group replaced his slot with news programming.

The move drew immediate backlash in Hollywood. More than 400 actors, writers, and performers signed a letter calling the suspension "a dark moment for freedom of speech". Fellow late-night hosts Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver rallied behind Kimmel. Even Howard Stern weighed in, supporting a boycott that saw Disney+ subscribers cancel their accounts in protest.

What to Expect on His Return

Kimmel has yet to comment publicly. But insiders told the Daily Mail he has no plans to come back quietly. One source claimed the past week "made his resolve stronger" and said the comedian "is not going to roll over."

No one knows exactly what Kimmel will say in his first monologue back on Tuesday. Still, there's an expectation he'll address both the suspension and the outcry it sparked. For now, the network is betting on his loyalty to staff - and his willingness to keep the show running - to steady its late-night lineup. Whether that loyalty extends past 2026 remains an open question.