Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show is back on ABC this Tuesday, but not everyone is celebrating. For months, affiliates had pulled episodes, sponsors expressed concern, and critics pointed to his constant attacks on conservatives as proof that late-night TV has become more about politics than comedy.
Dominic Carter, veteran journalist and host of The Dominic Carter Show on 77 WABC, is one of those critics. He isn’t mincing words about why Kimmel’s return is problematic.
“ABC affiliates already pulled your show for a reason,” Carter said. “Jokes about assassination and misleading the public aren’t comedy, Jimmy. Maybe it’s time to rethink the act and play nice.”
The Double Standard in Media
This controversy highlights something much bigger than one comedian’s style. If a conservative host joked about assassination, networks and the press would call for immediate cancellation. Yet when someone like Kimmel crosses that same line, it’s brushed aside as humor gone too far.
That double standard doesn’t just frustrate conservatives — it erodes trust in the entire system. People see the bias. They see the selective outrage. And they know that rules are enforced differently depending on your politics.
Comedy vs. Responsibility
Of course, free speech protects comedians. But freedom doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. Comedy is supposed to punch up, not glorify violence or mislead millions. Late-night shows used to be a place where families could laugh together. Now, too often, they’re just another battlefield in America’s culture war.
Dominic Carter has long argued that voices like Kimmel’s are a symptom of a larger problem: elites using their platforms to belittle and divide rather than to inform or entertain. His warning is clear — if networks don’t hold their stars accountable, audiences will eventually tune out altogether.
What’s Next for Kimmel and ABC
Kimmel’s supporters insist that satire must remain edgy, that his critics are simply too sensitive. But critics like Carter believe this is about standards, not thin skin. ABC has a decision to make: will they allow more of the same, or will they push for higher standards that reflect respect for all viewers, not just one side of the aisle?
Either way, this comeback will be closely watched. And Carter promises to keep asking the tough questions that the mainstream media avoids.
You can hear his full commentary on The Dominic Carter Show, weekdays at 3PM & Midnight ET on 770 AM WABC, WABCRadio.com, and on the free 77 WABC app.