Jimmy Kimmel’s much-anticipated return to ABC’s late-night television came with a heavy dose of surprise and some unfiltered language, thanks to Robert De Niro. After nearly a week off-air, Jimmy Kimmel Live! came back on September 23 with a headline-making cameo that had fans cheering loudly.
Robert De Niro surprises Jimmy Kimmel amid ABC return
Jimmy Kimmel, who believed he would be speaking to FCC chairman Brendan Carr, was instead greeted by Robert De Niro in a video sketch. The Oscar-winning actor leaned into his mob-boss persona, playing a fictional version of the FCC’s new chair. When Kimmel hinted that the FCC seemed to be using mob-style tactics to silence free speech, De Niro shot back: “What the f*ck did you just say to me?”
Kimmel reminded him that cursing on broadcast television could result in a fine from the very commission he supposedly led. “I am the f*king FCC, I can say whatever the fck I want.” After Kimmel called the tone threatening, De Niro ended with, “It’s just me, Jimmy, the chairman of the FCC, gently suggesting that you gently shut the f*ck up.”
The sketch continued with De Niro introducing a new, ominous motto for the FCC: “Sticks and stones may break your bones.” When Kimmel tried to finish the proverb with “…but words can never harm you,” De Niro corrected him, “Oh, well, they can harm you now. Let’s make sure you pick the right words. Capisce?” However, that was not all; it also featured not-so-subtle jokes on Donald Trump and suppression of free speech.
This was Kimmel’s comeback since ABC placed his show on “indefinite” suspension. Following controversial remarks about the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC said the pause was intended to avoid “inflaming a tense situation.”
It triggered a wave of support for Kimmel from fellow late-night hosts and Hollywood stars. Over 400 celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep, signed an ACLU-backed letter defending free speech and condemning efforts to silence the host. Now, Jimmy Kimmel Live! continues airing weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
