Entertainment
“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Returns: What It Means, What’s at Stake, and Will Viewers Tune In?
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –After being abruptly pulled from ABC’s lineup, Jimmy Kimmel Live! is returning to air on Tuesday, September 23. The show’s removal on September 15 followed Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding the political response to the death of Charlie Kirk, in which he criticized what he called the “MAGA gang” for exploiting the tragedy. The backlash was immediate. Not only did ABC suspend the show indefinitely, but major affiliate groups like Nexstar and Sinclair refused to carry it, and even the FCC’s chairman, Brendan Carr, weighed in with talk of possible regulatory consequences.
Now, just over a week later, Disney has reversed course. The company released a carefully worded statement suggesting the monologue was “ill-timed,” but emphasized that conversations with Kimmel had led to a path forward. The show’s return doesn’t erase what happened—but it does mark a moment of reckoning. Viewers are left asking: Was this about public sensitivity, or was it a reaction to political pressure? Was Disney protecting its audience, or protecting its interests?
Whether audiences will return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! in full force remains to be seen. Loyal fans may interpret the show’s reinstatement as a win for free speech, and for those who protested what they saw as censorship, it’s a signal that collective pushback works. But there are also those who were turned off by the controversy altogether either because they felt Kimmel went too far, or because they saw Disney’s suspension as a betrayal of its responsibility to protect artistic freedom. The show’s first night back could draw big numbers, if only out of curiosity but the real test will be in the weeks that follow.
The deeper issue here isn’t just Kimmel or one late-night monologue. It’s about the balance between speech, sensitivity, and influence. When a corporation like Disney reacts to political backlash by temporarily silencing one of its most visible voices, it raises a question about where editorial lines are drawn and who gets to draw them. The FCC’s involvement adds another layer of unease. If federal regulators can threaten action over televised opinion, what does that mean for other entertainers, journalists, or public figures who speak critically about political movements?
At the same time, the viewer response underscores something else: the power of collective protest. There were coordinated calls to cancel Disney+ subscriptions, open letters in defense of Kimmel, and vocal opposition to the suspension across social platforms. The public didn’t stay silent and that may be one reason ABC chose not to either. In this sense, the incident reflects how modern media is being shaped not just by shareholders and executives, but by the audiences themselves.
Still, this isn’t just about winning a PR battle. The larger conversation now turns to what kind of content creators are allowed to make in a climate that is increasingly politically charged and commercially fragile. Will this episode encourage other hosts to speak more carefully or will it inspire bolder commentary in defiance of censorship? For Disney, the move to bring Kimmel back may help contain damage to its brand, but it also signals a new reality: that silence can cost just as much as speech.
In the end, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returning isn’t just about late-night television. It’s a flashpoint in a broader cultural moment, where the right to speak, the duty to listen, and the forces that control the airwaves are all being renegotiated in real time. Whether you tune in on Tuesday or not, the bigger show might be the one playing out between the networks, their audiences, and the shifting definition of free expression.
We’ll be back here after the episode airs to break down how viewers responded, what the ratings reveal, and what comes next for late-night television.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – BeBe Shopp, Miss America 1948, continues to inspire and captivate audiences at 95 years old. Known as the oldest living Miss America, Shopp made a historic appearance in Orlando this weekend, gracing the red carpet and stage during the pageant world tour and the crowning of Miss America 2026. Florida National News was on hand to capture the moment and speak with the legendary titleholder, whose elegance, humor, and legacy remain timeless.
Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
A Historic Reign That Changed Miss America
Born Beatrice Bella Shopp on August 17, 1930, in Hopkins, Minnesota, she made history when she was crowned Miss America in 1948. At just 18 years old, she became the first Miss America to be crowned while wearing an evening gown instead of the traditional bathing suit, signaling a cultural shift in the pageant. Her reign marked a pivotal time in American history, as the nation was still recovering from World War II and embracing new symbols of grace, talent, and resilience.
Sharing wisdom and Humor at 95
During red carpet arrivals, Florida National News spoke to Bebe Shopp, who was escorted by the current Miss Minnesota. With a warm smile, Shopp reflected on her life’s journey, telling FNN: “I would like to figure out where did 95 years go.” She proudly shared that she recently celebrated her 95th birthday.
When FNN’s Monica Hoyos complimented her radiant appearance by saying, “I hope to look as good as you when I reach 95,” Shopp playfully reassured her: “You will, you will. Just keep being happy.”
Her joy for the moment was undeniable. When asked how she felt being part of the event, Shopp exclaimed with excitement: “I love it, I love it!” Then, with her signature humor, she added: “To see all of my old sisters—old sisters—no, I’m the oldest!” she laughed, delighting the crowd around her.
Bebe Shopp, Miss America 1948, attends the 2026 Miss America Finals in Orlando, Florida. Photo: J. Willie David, III / Florida National News
An Icon Who Continues to Inspire
Now at 95, Bebe Shopp holds the distinguished title of being the oldest living Miss America, a testament not only to her longevity but also to her continued relevance in American culture. She has witnessed the evolution of the Miss America Organization firsthand, from its early beginnings as a beauty pageant to its transformation into a scholarship competition focused on leadership, service, and empowerment.
Her appearance at the crowning of Miss America 2026 in Orlando reminded audiences of the pageant’s enduring legacy and the importance of honoring those who paved the way. For many, seeing Bebe Shopp on stage was not only a nostalgic honor but also a living reminder of perseverance, elegance, and joy.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Entertainment
Cardi B Drops Sophomore Album Am I the Drama?, Gets Real About Motherhood and Career on The Breakfast Club
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Tragedy struck Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, after a man died following a ride on the Stardust Racers roller coaster. The incident has renewed concerns about whether Florida lawmakers should extend safety inspection requirements to include the state’s largest theme parks, which currently conduct their own internal inspections.
The Incident
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deputies responded to Epic Universe after 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala was found unresponsive upon exiting the Stardust Racers roller coaster. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Orange County Medical Examiner, Dr. Joshua Stephany, Zavala died from blunt impact injuries, and his death was ruled an accident. However, the report did not provide details on the location or extent of the injuries.
Reaction and Investigation
Theme park consultant Dennis Speigel called the medical findings “pretty shocking,” raising questions about whether the injuries were caused by the ride itself or another factor, such as improper seating.
In a statement, Universal Orlando Resort said:
“We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully cooperating with Orange County and the ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.”
Universal officials added that they could not provide further comment until the investigation concludes.
Florida’s Theme Park Safety Exemptions
Unlike smaller venues and fairs, Florida’s largest theme parks—including Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld—are exempt from state safety inspections. These parks conduct their own safety checks but must still report injuries and fatalities to the state.
In the second quarter of this year, a dozen reports were filed by major parks, including incidents involving older guests with preexisting conditions. At Epic Universe specifically, three separate incidents have already been reported since its May opening, including dizziness, chest pains, and visual disturbances after riding attractions.
Will Florida Lawmakers Seek Stronger Regulations?
The death at Epic Universe has reignited debate over whether Florida lawmakers should expand the Tyre Sampson Act—passed after the 2022 death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson on a drop tower ride—to include major theme parks.
The law currently applies to temporary or non-permanent attractions, requiring stricter reporting, enhanced employee training, and improved transparency. Florida’s largest theme parks, however, remain exempt, a gap critics say poses significant safety risks.
With mounting pressure following Kevin Rodriguez Zavala’s death, lawmakers may soon face renewed calls to revisit those exemptions.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
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