ABC viewers shocked by sudden programming change: Steve Harvey’s show replaces Jimmy Kimmel Live!

ABC viewers were surprised on Wednesday evening by an unexpected change in the channel’s schedule, as a rerun of “Family Feud Celebrity Edition” hosted by Steve Harvey was aired instead of the popular late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The network previously explained that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would be suspended indefinitely following the major controversy caused by the host’s recent comments in an episode regarding the death of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. This prompted the network to conduct an urgent review of its programming schedule.

Alternative programming

According to a report by Variety, ABC, owned by Disney, chose to air alternative shows during the late-night time slots.

This comes alongside an announcement from Sinclair Broadcast Group, one of the largest groups affiliated with the network, that a special episode honoring the late commentator Charlie Kirk will air starting Friday, September 19.

Guests who never appeared on air

The episode originally scheduled for Wednesday, which was expected to feature comedian Wanda Sykes, author Jay Shetty, and chef Christian Petroni, was entirely canceled and did not air. So far, Jimmy Kimmel has not made any direct comment regarding the suspension of his show.

A long-standing show at risk

Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been one of the leading late-night talk shows in the United States since its launch in 2003. Over more than twenty years, it has hosted numerous stars from cinema, music, and politics, in addition to presenting comedy segments that gained wide popularity across digital platforms.