Jimmy Kimmel says show suspension was like watching his 'own funeral'

Jimmy Kimmel is reflecting on his turbulent 2025.

The late-night host recalled his show's controversial suspension in the winner's room during the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday, Jan. 4, where he won best talk show. Kimmel, 58, called Disney's brief suspension of the show "almost a near-death experience."

"Of course, not literally, but I did feel a little bit like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn watching their own funeral, when all this stuff happened," he told reporters.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" was suspended for six days in September after comments the comedian made about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk's death.

The move, which came after Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr's criticism of Kimmel's comments, was swiftly celebrated by President Donald Trump, who appointed Carr. Kimmel's reinstatement, then, drew the president's ire.

While accepting the Critics Choice Award for best talk show, Kimmel thanked the commander in chief. Well, sort of.

"I want to thank our president, Donald Jennifer Trump, without whom we'd be going home empty-handed tonight," said Kimmel, who has made Trump and his administration the butt of many jokes, pre- and post-suspension. "So thank you, Mr. President, for all the many ridiculous things you do each and every day."

Kimmel's suspension drew criticism from both sides of the aisle as a government attempt to censor free speech.

The comedian thanked supporters in the entertainment industry who said as much.

"Thanks to all the writers and actors and producers and union members, many of you who are in this room, who supported us, who really stepped forward with us and reminded us that we do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country," Kimmel added. "Your actions were important, and we appreciate them."

Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY