Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney Share Their Kids’ Reaction to 2025 TV Controversy

Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney have spoken about how they explained his 2025 ABC suspension to their children.

During a recent appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, McNearney said the couple told their children, 12-year-old Jane and 9-year-old Billy, that Kimmel’s show had been temporarily canceled after the situation became a major news story. Jane reportedly asked whether President Donald Trump was responsible, and the couple said yes.

McNearney said it was unusual for their children to grow up knowing that the president did not like their father. Kimmel added that his children have never known a different political environment and see the situation as normal.

Kimmel also said Jane became emotional because she believed she would eventually take over “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and thought the suspension meant the family business was disappearing.

The show was suspended by ABC in September 2025 after Kimmel’s comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr urged broadcasters to take action against the program, while several station owners temporarily stopped airing it.

ABC later reinstated the show. When Kimmel returned, he said he did not intend to blame any political group for Kirk’s killing and acknowledged that his comments had upset some viewers. He also criticized Trump’s response to the controversy.