Jimmy Kimmel returns to air after Charlie Kirk remarks suspension, recalls mother’s support during week off
The late-night host describes how his mother kept him fed during the pause, as ratings rebound on his return and the controversy lingers.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after ABC suspended him for remarks about conservative political activist Charlie Kirk's assassination, a move the network described as a temporary pause while it reviewed the situation. The show resumed with an acknowledgment of the controversy and an emotional tone that reflected the charged moment in national politics.
The suspension followed comments made on a recent episode about Kirk's alleged assassin. Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University, and Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with capital murder and related counts. ABC said the pause was intended to avoid inflaming a tense moment for the country while giving the network time to have thoughtful conversations with Kimmel. The executive moves drew attention as Sinclair and Nexstar stations — about a third of ABC's affiliates — opted not to air the program in their markets.
Kimmel's return featured his parents, Joan and James Kimmel, in the studio for the first time since the suspension, and the host fought back tears as he addressed viewers. An audience member said the moment carried an emotional charge, with Kimmel reflecting on the need for accountability while also emphasizing the humanity of those affected by the tragedy. The network noted the comeback drew strong interest from viewers and the press alike as it sought to balance a serious news moment with the lighthearted tone of late-night fare.
According to ABC, Tuesday's episode attracted about 6.26 million viewers, roughly triple the show's typical nightly audience of around 1.8 million, not including streaming figures. The network also highlighted that Kimmel's emotional, 20-minute monologue had been viewed more than 25 million times on social media, underscoring the enduring reach of late-night on digital platforms even as audiences shift across screens.
Offstage, Kimmel described the week off as a period when his mother, Joann Iacono, relentlessly cared for him. He told Lisa Ann Walter on Wednesday's episode that his mother was “like, can I bring over some pasta e fagioli? Can I make…” and that she even brought cookies with his face on them to the show. The admissions drew playful online mockery from some critics and fans who teased the host about leaning on family during the suspension, while others defended the supportive, human side of the moment.
The public conversation around Kimmel's remarks and the ensuing suspension touched broader discussions about tone in political commentary and the responsibilities of comedians when commenting on violence. Kimmel used his return to stress that there was no intent to lampoon a tragedy and expressed appreciation for those who defended him, including some conservatives and peers in the media. During the episode, he referenced a note of forgiveness offered by Erika Kirk, the widow of the alleged shooter, at the funeral for Charlie Kirk, calling the act a powerful example of grace amid grief. He suggested that such acts of mercy are something to carry forward in a divided moment, a sentiment met with applause in the studio.
As the dust settled, Kimmel’s return appeared to reaffirm his status in late-night television, with his ratings rebound highlighting the ongoing appeal of his blend of humor and commentary. The broader conversation about the incident and its implications for public discourse continued to unfold across social media, where viewers weighed the line between critique and propriety in times of national sensitivity. Viewers can expect further discussion in the coming nights as the show resumes its regular format and guests, and as Kimmel navigates the delicate balance between heartfelt apology and the sharp-edged satire that has defined his program for years.