Show Suspended After Controversial Comments
Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show returned after ABC affiliates initially refused to lift the suspension. The controversy erupted when Kimmel made remarks about Charlie Kirk’s assassination and critiqued Donald Trump’s response.
ABC reacted by suspending Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely, sparking online backlash. Critics, including politicians, argued the suspension amounted to censorship and clashed with the US principle of free speech.
Kimmel’s Return and Affiliate Resistance
Less than a week later, Disney announced Kimmel’s show would return. However, Sinclair Inc. and Nexstar, ABC affiliates, confirmed they would not air the show, impacting around a quarter of ABC’s audience.
Despite the return, Disney reportedly lost billions in stock value overnight, with shares dropping 2.31% following news of the affiliate strike.
Disney+ Price Hikes Announced
In response to ongoing financial challenges, Disney announced price increases for its streaming bundles, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN channels. Subscribers were notified on September 23, with changes effective October 21.
What’s Changing
Disney+ with ads: $9.99 → $11.99/month
Disney+ ad-free: $15.99 → $18.99/month
Hulu ad-supported: $9.99 → $11.99/month
UK Disney+ annual subscription: £99.90
Other bundles combining Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN will also see price adjustments.
Financial and Viewer Risks
This marks the third price hike in three years, coinciding with a sensitive time for the company. Experts warn the Kimmel controversy could cost ABC millions in viewers.
Brand expert Crystal Gorges told FOX Business: “The financial danger isn’t so much advertisers walking away as it is alienating loyal viewers who see it as censorship. Loyal viewers could feel their voices are being silenced, which may spark organized opposition, social media backlash, or subscriber cancellations.”
Gorges added that Disney faces long-term risk from being perceived as yielding to political pressure, which could ripple through its audience and revenue streams.