Joe Rogan Predicts Surge in Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Following Controversy

Podcaster Joe Rogan has expressed his belief that Jimmy Kimmel will experience a significant boost in viewership following a recent controversy that led to the suspension of his late-night program on ABC. Kimmel’s show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, faced an “indefinite” hiatus after his comments regarding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked considerable backlash.

During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan noted that the public outcry over Kimmel’s suspension is likely to enhance the show’s popularity. He stated, “The internet is just buck wild, and the internet you can’t do anything about. I certainly think that for Jimmy Kimmel, all this does is help him. It makes his show bigger, much more support.” While acknowledging that Kimmel may also face a wave of criticism, Rogan remained optimistic about the show’s return.

ABC announced on September 18, 2023, that it would resume airing Kimmel’s show, although Rogan’s remarks were made prior to this decision. He had previously predicted that the suspension would last only a brief period, suggesting that Kimmel would return to a “standing ovation.”

Kimmel’s show was suspended due to his remarks about Kirk’s murder, which occurred on September 10, 2023, during an event at Utah Valley University. Following the incident, police arrested Tyler Robinson, 22, in connection with the murder. Kimmel’s comments, which criticized the political exploitation of Kirk’s death, ignited outrage, particularly among conservative circles. Notably, Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, called Kimmel’s statements “truly sick” and warned that ABC’s broadcasting license could be in jeopardy.

The controversy drew a swift response from various media outlets and political figures, including Donald Trump, who praised ABC’s decision to suspend Kimmel. Trump took to Truth Social to commend the network for “finally having the courage to do what had to be done.”

Kimmel’s remarks and the subsequent suspension prompted a notable backlash, with over 400 celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Meryl Streep, signing an open letter condemning ABC’s actions. Protests against the decision unfolded outside Kimmel’s studio in Hollywood, highlighting the tension surrounding free speech in the media landscape.

Disney, the parent company of ABC, later affirmed its decision to reinstate Kimmel’s show after discussions with the host regarding his “ill-timed and thus insensitive” comments. “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday,” the company stated.

Despite ABC’s return to airing Kimmel’s show, affiliate networks Nexstar and Sinclair announced they would continue to preempt the program, maintaining their stance following the controversy.

On the same day that ABC confirmed Kimmel’s return, the host shared a photograph on his personal Instagram, featuring himself with the late television writer Norman Lear, a known advocate for the First Amendment. He captioned the image, “Missing this guy today,” reflecting on the support for free speech in the face of adversity.

As Kimmel prepares to resume his show, the ongoing conversation surrounding his comments, the public response, and the implications for free speech in media continue to shape the narrative. The situation remains dynamic, as Kimmel’s return to the screen promises to draw significant attention and viewership in the coming weeks.