On the September 21 episode of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver spent the bulk of his segment sharply criticizing ABC and Disney’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely. The suspension came after Kimmel’s monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which drew heavy backlash—particularly from politicians and broadcast regulators. Oliver called the move “capitulation to political pressure,” framing it as a dangerous precedent for speech in media.
Oliver directed much of his ire at FCC Chair Brendan Carr, saying the regulatory pressure exerted on ABC and its affiliates was chilling, especially when licenses and broadcast access are used as leverage. He argued that the decision wasn’t just an isolated late-night controversy—it reflects a growing trend where media organizations buckle under threats rather than defend comedic or satirical speech.
Perhaps most provocative was Oliver’s direct appeal to Disney CEO Bob Iger: when faced with aggressive demands, Oliver urged Iger to stand firm—saying, in effect, that corporate leadership should push back rather than instantly comply.
In an era where late-night hosts are increasingly in the crosshairs of political polarization, Oliver’s message was clear: comedy and critique are under threat, and silence in the name of safety only gives bold actors more power.
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