NBC’s Today show, the morning media monarch averaging 2.8 million viewers daily, is reeling from a revolt that’s rippling through its ratings rampart, as co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones face fierce backlash for defending Jimmy Kimmel’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his suspension for comments on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. On September 23, 2025, during Today’s 9 a.m. hour, Hager, 43, gushed, “Jimmy’s courage in clarifying is what we need more of – free speech isn’t free,” while Jones, 47, added, “His monologue was heartfelt, not hate – we stand with him.” The “controversial remarks”? A powder keg: Kimmel’s September 15 bit – “The MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” – lit the fuse, ABC’s “indefinite” pull (September 18) a capitulation to FCC threats and affiliate fury (Sinclair/Nexstar’s 70-market blackout). Today’s “support” segment, meant as “balanced banter,” backfired into betrayal buzz, igniting 3.5 million #BoycottToday posts: “Traitors to Kirk!” vs. “Free speech fighters!”
The “tensions escalated”? Turbulent: Hager’s “courage” clap and Jones’ “heartfelt” hail clashed with Kirk’s Turning Point USA base, who flooded NBC with “waves of protest emails and letters” – 45,000 in 48 hours, per Variety, demanding “apology or advertisers out.” “Even loyal viewers turned on them,” a source sighed, tying to Today’s 15% demo dip (1.1 in 25-54) post-segment. NBC exec Noah Oppenheim, under “immense pressure,” is “preparing an unexpected move” – whispers of a “Kimmel crossover” special or Jones/Hager “sensitivity training,” per The Hollywood Reporter. The “no one anticipated” nuke? A network nerve: Amid Disney’s ABC affiliate avalanche (70 markets dark), NBC eyes “solidarity statement” to shield Today‘s turf.
The backlash’s bite? Bitter: #TraitorTalk trends with 2.8 million posts, Kirk’s widow Erika Frantzve Kirk retweeting: “Heartfelt? He mocked my husband’s murder.” Hager’s “Jenna’s Joy” segment (September 24) tanked 12%, Jones’ “Sheinelle’s Strong” stalled. “Fans feel betrayed – Kirk was their conservative conscience,” a producer leaked. The duo’s defense? Defiant: Hager’s X “Free speech for all – even if it hurts,” Jones’ “Jimmy’s human – we all misspeak.” But the “heated debate”? Hellish: Liberals laud “loyalty to L.A.,” conservatives crow “cancel culture’s coming for Today!” Trump Truth-Socialed triumph: “NBC’s nasty – Kimmel’s karma!”
The “future of morning TV”? Fractured: Today’s 3.8 million average holds, but the “boycott” buzz threatens Q4 ads (Pepsi pausing spots). Execs’ “unexpected move”? A “Kimmel hour” on Today (rumored October 1, 1-hour special), or Hager/Jones “hiatus.” The “shaking America”? A seismic shift: From Kimmel’s Kirk quip to Today’s turmoil, free speech’s fault lines fracture. September 23? Not segment – a schism. Fans? Flooded with fury. The world’s watching – whispering “what next?”
