Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Emphasize First Amendment in Rare Comment on Jimmy Kimmel and Politics

The Return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Conversation Around Free Speech

On Wednesday, September 24, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, hosts of Live with Kelly and Mark, shared their thoughts on the return of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a brief suspension of the late-night program. Kimmel returned to the air on Tuesday, September 23, just days after being temporarily pulled from ABC, sparking widespread discussion about free speech, political responsibility, and the role of media in society.

The show’s suspension came after Kimmel made comments about the fatal shooting of right-wing personality Charlie Kirk during his monologue on September 15. His remarks, which criticized the way some individuals were trying to distance themselves from the shooter, led to significant public reaction and even brought attention to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and its chair, Brendan Carr. Kimmel’s return marked a pivotal moment for the show and the broader conversation around freedom of expression.

During the Live with Kelly and Mark episode, Ripa and Consuelos praised Kimmel’s monologue, calling it “very responsible.” They emphasized that while their own show focuses on light-hearted content, they understand the importance of the First Amendment. “One thing we can all agree on as a country is that the First Amendment is very important,” Consuelos said. He added that while their show avoids political topics, he believes everyone should have the freedom to express their views without fear.

Ripa echoed this sentiment, noting that even though their show is non-controversial, they are always mindful of what they say. “We are like melted ice cream,” she joked. “But even we are constantly in a position where we are checking what we’re about to say in our heads because we’ve come to this inflection point where no matter what you say, somebody is upset.”

Consuelos also highlighted the significance of Kimmel’s return, especially given the context of Disney’s decision to bring him back after “thoughtful conversations.” While some networks, such as Sinclair and Nexstar, continued to preempt the show in their local markets, Kimmel’s return was seen as a step toward restoring normalcy and upholding the principles of free speech.

During his monologue, Kimmel addressed the suspension directly, expressing gratitude for the support he received from both sides of the political spectrum. He specifically thanked conservatives, including Senator Ted Cruz, for standing by his right to share his beliefs. “A government threat to silence a comedian the president doesn’t like is anti-American,” Kimmel stated, referencing comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin.

Kimmel also reflected on the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed during a speaking event at Utah Valley University on September 10. In his initial response, he called the killing “horrible and monstrous” and urged people to focus on the grief rather than finger-pointing. “Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?” he asked.

The controversy surrounding Kimmel’s show also intersected with broader industry developments. Before the suspension, Nexstar had announced plans to acquire Tegna, a rival broadcast company, for over $6 billion. This deal would significantly consolidate the local television landscape, placing Nexstar in 80% of America’s TV-owning households. The acquisition required final approval from the FCC, which was then under the control of President Donald Trump and Chair Brendan Carr.

Despite the challenges, Kimmel’s return to the air marked a moment of reflection and reaffirmation of the values that underpin American media and public discourse. As the conversation around free speech continues, the importance of understanding and respecting diverse viewpoints remains central to maintaining a healthy democratic society.