Jimmy Kimmel Moves Texas Senate Candidate Interview to YouTube Amid FCC Dispute

Jimmy Kimmel said his scheduled interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico will not be shown on the ABC broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live! but will be posted to the show’s YouTube channel. The change was announced during the Wednesday monologue, where Kimmel referenced ABC’s continuing dispute with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Kimmel noted that the network’s legal challenges with the FCC, particularly with chair Brendan Carr, have led to the decision to avoid airing the interview on local ABC affiliates in Texas. He added that the online format is the only viable option for viewers to see the full interview before the November election.

The FCC conflict stems from a 2025 incident in which Carr criticized Kimmel for remarks made after the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. The FCC subsequently threatened regulatory action against ABC affiliates, prompting a lawsuit by the network alleging a free-speech violation. ABC also faces FCC scrutiny over equal-time rules concerning its daytime program The View.

Speculation about the future of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has circulated, but a source close to the host denied reports that the show will end next year.