Jimmy Kimmel, the popular US talk show host and outspoken political commentator, is set to deliver Channel 4’s 2025 Alternative Christmas Message, and he’s already sparking headlines. Known for his blend of humor and social commentary, Kimmel is expected to make a striking statement during his holiday broadcast, saying 2025 has been “a really great year for fascism.”

A Bold Statement Amid a Controversial Year

Channel 4 described Kimmel’s upcoming address as a “deeply personal and characteristically jovial” reflection on the year, particularly in light of recent political and media events in the United States. Kimmel’s quote from the broadcast—“From a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year”—has already generated considerable discussion online.

This comes after a turbulent period for the host. In September 2025, Kimmel’s ABC talk show was temporarily removed from the air following controversial remarks about the shooting of political commentator Charlie Kirk. The suspension sparked a heated debate about freedom of speech and press freedom in the US, ultimately leading to Kimmel’s reinstatement just one week later.

Kimmel’s Political Commentary

Over the past decade, Jimmy Kimmel has been one of the most vocal critics of former President Donald Trump and his administration. His commentary often blends satire with serious political critique, making him a frequent target of controversy in American media.

Channel 4 noted that Kimmel’s Alternative Christmas Message will “reflect on the past few months in a deeply personal and characteristically jovial address,” particularly following his return to television and his high-profile criticisms of the US administration.

The Tradition of Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message

Channel 4 has aired an Alternative Christmas Message since 1993 as a counterpoint to the British monarch’s traditional message broadcast on BBC One and ITV. Over the years, this special address has been delivered by a wide range of notable figures, including celebrities such as Sir Stephen Fry, Danny Dyer, Katie Piper, Sharon Osbourne, and Jamie Oliver.

The program has also featured political personalities or figures who have been in the global spotlight. Previous speakers include Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whistle-blower Edward Snowden, and Afghan war veteran Major Andrew Stockton, highlighting the show’s reputation for provocative and newsworthy commentary.

The Controversy Surrounding Kimmel’s Suspension

Kimmel’s temporary suspension in the US was partly due to pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), chaired by Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee. The FCC threatened to revoke ABC’s broadcast license, prompting the network to take action. President Trump publicly welcomed the suspension and suggested that some TV networks should have their licenses “taken away,” fueling further debate about censorship and media freedom.

Despite this, Kimmel has continued to connect with his audience through humor and heartfelt reflection. Speaking in his final episode of the year, he acknowledged the challenges of 2025, saying:

“This has been a strange year. It’s been a hard year. We’ve had some lows, we’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year in my life. But on behalf of all of us at the show, I just want to say that we appreciate your support, your enthusiasm. And not just for watching. This year you literally pulled us out of a hole, and we cannot thank you enough, personally, professionally.”

Broadcast Details

Jimmy Kimmel’s Alternative Christmas Message will air on Channel 4 at 17:45 GMT on Christmas Day 2025, approximately two hours after the King’s traditional Christmas Message on ITV and BBC One. Viewers can expect Kimmel’s signature mix of humor, political insight, and heartfelt reflection.