Jimmy Fallon Vows to “Keep My Head Down” Amid Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Drama

Last month, multiple companies pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from local affiliates following Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death in mid-September. Since then, fans and TV hosts have rallied behind Kimmel and his subsequent return to TV, but Jimmy Fallon speaks up and reveals he's staying away from the drama.

In an interview with CNBC'sSquawk on the Street, Fallon explains that his show, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, has never been focused on politics, and more about laughs.

"Our show’s never really been that political. We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh, and that’s really the way our show works," he said.

He also adds that a majority of the monologues used have followed the same formula since Jimmy Carson was doing The Tonight Show. Carson hosted the late-night show from 1962 until 1992.

"So really, I just keep my head down and make sure the jokes are funny. I have great writers, clever, smart writers. And we’re just trying to make the best show we possibly can and entertain everybody," Fallon said.

After Kimmel was pulled off the air, Fallon addressed the situation on his show on September 18, calling his fellow host "a decent, loving, and funny guy."

Kimmel returned from a six-day suspension on September 23, with his late-night show only being available through certain local affiliates. Broadcasting company Sinclair stated that for Kimmel to be taken on suspension indefinitely, he had to apologize to the Kirk family and talk with the networks about journalistic integrity.

During his return to TV, Kimmel got emotional over the fan support, but also admitted he had no "intention to make light of the murder of a young man." Kimmel's suspension is in lieu of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, announcing it will conclude in May 2026, reportedly citing financial troubles.