Jimmy Kimmel Honors Norman Lear Amid Ongoing Suspension Controversy

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel publicly paid tribute to the influential television figure Norman Lear in his first statement since the suspension of his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! Kimmel shared a black-and-white photograph on Instagram on September 23, 2025, showing him smiling alongside Lear, who died at the age of 101 on December 5, 2023. The post, captioned “Missing this guy today,” attracted significant attention, receiving over 1.2 million likes and 50,000 comments within a day.

Kimmel’s tribute comes at a pivotal moment. His show faced suspension from 32 Nexstar ABC affiliates following a monologue on September 16, which drew criticism for its remarks regarding reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination. Brendan Carr, the Chair of the FCC, threatened to revoke licenses, citing potential violations of public interest obligations. By choosing to honor Lear, Kimmel subtly highlights the importance of free speech, echoing Lear’s long-standing advocacy against censorship.

Norman Lear: A Pioneer of Television and Free Speech

Born on July 27, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut, Norman Lear revolutionized American television with his socially conscious comedies. His groundbreaking shows, including All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Sanford and Son, addressed pressing social issues such as racism, feminism, and class disparities. Notably, All in the Family attracted an audience of 50 million viewers per week and garnered 22 Emmy Awards.

Beyond his achievements in television, Lear co-founded People For the American Way, an organization dedicated to defending civil rights and free expression. He actively challenged the FCC over censorship issues and produced politically charged films, including Born on the Fourth of July. A landmark moment in his career came in 1975 when he filed a lawsuit against the FCC regarding the “family viewing hour,” ultimately leading to a significant Supreme Court victory in 1978 that protected broadcasters’ rights to free expression.

Kimmel’s Timely Tribute and Its Implications

Kimmel, a longtime admirer of Lear, collaborated with him on the 2019 Live in Front of a Studio Audience specials. This partnership earned Kimmel Emmys, showcasing how nostalgia can resonate with contemporary audiences. Fans interpret his recent post as a powerful statement of resilience, drawing parallels between Lear’s challenges during the Nixon era and Kimmel’s current struggles with the FCC.

As Kimmel prepares to return to the screen, tonight’s episode features Kerry Washington as a guest. The tribute to Lear sets an emotional tone for the show, blending comedy with a defiant spirit while honoring one of television’s most significant advocates for free speech. Kimmel’s gesture not only commemorates Lear’s legacy but also underscores the ongoing conversation about the importance of free expression in today’s media landscape.