US television host Jimmy Kimmel has taken to social media for the first time since his television show was pulled off the air, posting a cryptic photo.

Kimmel’s show Jimmy Kimmel Live! was pre-empted by Disney-owned ABC last week after the late-night host criticised the MAGA movement’s reaction to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death, and claimed they were trying to score political points.

Despite praise for the decision from US President Donald Trump and others in the MAGA movement, Disney and ABC copped a barrage of backlash from critics and subscribers, and have now relented, with Kimmel to return to the airwaves tonight US time.

In the lead-up, and posting for the first time since his controversial monologue, Kimmel took to Instagram with a picture of himself and screenwriter Norman Lear.

“Missing this guy today,” Kimmel wrote.

Lear, who created and produced numerous classic US sitcoms including All In The Family, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons, was also a prominent liberal activist and thorn in the side of then-president Ronald Reagan.

“We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”

Tuesday night’s guests of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be actor Glen Powell, with musical guest Sarah McLachlan. The show will feature Ethan Hawke, Lisa Ann Walter and musical guest Yungblud on Wednesday, and Peyton Manning, Oscar Nuñez and musical guest Alex G on Thursday.

Both Powell and MacLachlan are promoting Disney-owned projects: Powell for Hulu’s upcoming sports comedy series Chad Powers, and MacLachlan is behind the Hulu documentary Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery, which follows the ’90s-era female-focused music festival founded by MacLachlan.