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Kimmel’s Suspension Spotlights TV’s Free Speech Battle
Plus, Temptations claws for Clooney's crown
Welcome to The TV Room. Your weekly briefing on the shifts in television, streaming, and digital advertising that shape the industry.
This week we’re looking at:
🎙️ Kimmel Returns to ABC in a Free Speech Fight
📺 Does Your TV Measure Up?
🎬 Creative Spotlight: NikeSkims: “Bodies at Work”
😸 Temptations Crowns the “Sexiest Cat Dad”
Kimmel’s Back, but at What Cost?
Jimmy Kimmel is back. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns to its late-night slot on ABC tonight, September 23, after a suspension that set off a national fight over free speech, government pressure, and corporate decision-making.
Disney said it pulled the show last week to avoid “inflaming a tense situation” after Kimmel’s September 15 comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. FCC Chair Brendan Carr blasted the remarks as “sick” and threatened affiliate licenses. Soon after, Sinclair announced that it would preempt the program, and Nexstar signaled that it might do the same. With Kimmel unwilling to apologize, Disney announced the show was suspended “indefinitely.”
The backlash
The move drew praise from some critics but far more condemnation. Politicians, celebrities, and Hollywood unions accused Disney and its affiliates of caving to political intimidation. Barack Obama called it “a new and dangerous level” of censorship. California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote that Republicans were “censoring you in real time.” The Writers Guild of America said the suspension was “corporate cowardice.”
Even inside the FCC, Commissioner Anna M. Gomez criticized the chairman’s threats, calling them an abuse of power.
What happens now
Disney says it had “thoughtful conversations with Jimmy” and decided to bring the show back. But not all viewers will see it. Sinclair confirmed it will continue to replace Kimmel with news programming while talks with ABC continue. Nexstar has not said whether it will resume airing the show.
The episode highlights the fragile balance between broadcasters, regulators, and talent. For Kimmel, whose contract ends next year, the suspension may shape whether he exits or doubles down. For ABC, the decision highlights how late-night TV remains a focal point in the broader debate over media independence.
Read More:
TV Industry Updates
Bigger is better: Global shipments of TVs 80 inches and larger are projected to jump 44% by 2029, thanks to lower prices and better display tech.
Reeled in: MTV canceled its long-running reality series Catfish after nine seasons, although producers can shop it elsewhere.
Bend and snap: Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel cast Lexi Minetree as a high-school-aged Elle Woods, with Reese Witherspoon producing.
On the ice: ESPN announced it will air over 620 NCAA hockey games this season across ESPN+ and linear, capped by the Frozen Four.
Back to the beach: Fox ordered a 12-episode Baywatch reboot for the 2026-27 season, reviving the lifeguard staple.
Killer comedy: BBC Studios’ scripted hit Death Valley sold into more than 100 markets after its record UK launch.
Creative Spotlight: NikeSKIMS: “Bodies at Work”
NikeSkims’ “Bodies at Work” campaign celebrated the power and versatility of women athletes, pairing bold visuals of training with a message of performance and style.
The Details:
The spot featured more than 50 athletes, including Serena Williams and Jordan Chiles, alongside Skims founder Kim Kardashian.
The debut collection launched with 58 silhouettes across three core and four seasonal collections, creating over 10,000 outfit combinations.
The campaign positioned NikeSkims as both functional and fashion‑forward, blending Nike’s sports credibility with Skims’ cultural influence.
What We Loved: The ad transformed training into a statement of style and strength, reframing women’s activewear as a cultural movement as much as a performance line.
Holiday campaigns are already in motion
Introducing The Nice List: your one-stop shop for holiday marketing resources, tools, and inspiration. Consider it your holiday prep HQ, where you’ll find:
The 2025 Holiday Advertising Trends Report includes insights from 600+ marketers on how brands are planning, spending, and measuring success this season.
What’s Driving Holiday Ad Performance in 2025?, a tvScientific x Adweek webinar that breaks down how marketers are adapting strategies in real time.
And more content to drive your 2025 holiday advertising strategy.
Marketing Mix
Cat dad crown: Temptations launched a “Sexiest Cat Dad” category in People’s reader-voted Sexiest Man Alive issue.
Retail takeover: Best Buy rolled out in-store takeover packages and expanded NFL partnerships to bolster its retail media push.
AI ad buddy: Amazon debuted a generative AI “creative partner” to help marketers brainstorm, storyboard, and create campaign assets.
Streaming cheers: AB InBev and Netflix signed a multiyear deal spanning live events, co-branded campaigns, and packaging.
Creator connect: YouTube unveiled new tools for brand-creator partnerships, including AI matchmaking and swappable ad slots.
Pain relief stance: Tylenol pushed back against RFK Jr.’s autism claims, stressing scientific consensus that acetaminophen is safe in pregnancy.
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