Jimmy Kimmel’s comeback draws record audience after suspension over remarks about Charlie Kirk
ABC’s late-night host returns to air as affiliates weigh ongoing preemption; network and critics debate free-speech boundaries and coverage of the controversy
Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television on Monday drew 6.26 million viewers on ABC, the show’s largest audience in more than a decade, according to network tallies. The episode was still preempted in about 23 percent of the country after Kimmel’s remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk drew widespread backlash and prompted Disney to suspend the program last week.
ABC said the post-suspension audience marked a sharp rise from the program’s typical 1.8 million viewers per night, underscoring Kimmel’s continued draw in late-night television. The host delivered a tearful 20-minute monologue that has been viewed more than 25 million times across social platforms, including more than 15 million views on YouTube, a figure described by ABC as a program record. The network noted that streaming viewership is not included in the television-rated figure, and that the episode also prompted significant online engagement.
Nexstar, which along with Sinclair operates roughly a quarter of ABC’s affiliates, said Wednesday that Kimmel will continue to be preempted on many stations while the company reviews the show’s direction and the evolving response from viewers and communities served. The two groups control stations in smaller markets such as Nashville, Tennessee; Lubbock, Texas; and Topeka, Kansas, making affiliate decisions on preemption especially consequential for national broadcasts.
In his comeback monologue, Kimmel said his remarks were not intended to mock any individual or death and acknowledged that the backlash had been intense. He argued that a government effort to silence comedians is inappropriate and said he was speaking as a human who understands the impact of his words. He also pressed back against criticism from a federal regulator, branding a threat to sanction late-night hosts as inappropriate and not consistent with the First Amendment.
Disney faced pressure from Hollywood and viewers alike after suspending Kimmel, and support for free expression flooded in from across the entertainment community. Olivia Rodrigo and more than 400 other stars signed an ACLU letter condemning the decision and defending the right to satirical and political commentary. The episode's return also drew political commentary, with then-President Donald Trump posting criticisms on Truth Social about ABC and the network’s decision to bring Kimmel back.
The broadcast featured additional moments that kept the focus on the broader conversation surrounding speech and celebrity accountability. In a later segment, a guest impersonation touched on media and regulatory demands, reflecting the ongoing tension between entertainment and political discourse in late-night television. Kimmel concluded by expressing gratitude to supporters and emphasizing that forgiveness and conversation can be a path forward in the wake of tragedy and controversy.
The episode’s ratings success, paired with ongoing affiliate-level preemption questions, illustrates the delicate balance networks seek between robust audiences and the sensitivities of local markets. Industry observers note that while national ratings show strong engagement, the decision to preempt local editions remains a lever that affiliates can exercise in response to content-related concerns and community standards. The broader industry will watch how ABC and its corporate partners navigate this balance as they evaluate what the show represents to different audiences and how it should be positioned moving forward.