Gregg Donovan and Dandidi or “Hollywood Harlequin” display signs at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded to celebrate the show’s return on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025.
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” returns to air Tuesday night, roughly one week after the late night show was suspended by Disney’s ABC broadcast network.
The program was initially pulled “indefinitely” following comments by host Kimmel during a show monologue that criticized President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement for their reaction to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing.
The media industry, fans and critics are eagerly awaiting the comedian’s pre-taped monologue as it will be the first time he had publicly addressed the matter.
Ahead of the show’s taping, protesters and supporters appeared outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in Hollywood.
“He should be off the air for another full week if not a full month to think about what he said,” Perry Caravello, a YouTuber who was protesting Kimmel’s return to air, told CNBC outside the studio Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Gregg Donovan, who donned a black top hat and red blazer, carried a laminated sign welcoming Kimmel back.
“This is America,” he said. “I don’t think free speech will ever really be threatened.”
Live audience members were ushered inside quickly. Doors to the theater will close at 4:30 pm PT with taping set to begin at 4:45pm PT. The taping typically takes 90 minutes.
Perry Caravello protests at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded, in response to the show’s return, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025. “He should be off the air for another full week if not a full month to think about what he said.”
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
A Jimmy Kimmel supporter displays a sign at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded to celebrate the show’s return on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025.
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
The El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded, is seen on the day of the show’s return to air, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025.
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
Gregg Donovan displays a sign at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded to celebrate the show’s return on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025.
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
Dandidi or “Hollywood Harlequin” displays a sign at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre, where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is recorded to celebrate the show’s return on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on Sept 23, 2025.
Gabriel Cortes | CNBC
CNBC’s Gabriel Cortes contributed reporting from Los Angeles
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
