Jimmy Kimmel's comeback episode draws record ratings after suspension over Charlie Kirk remarks

Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night TV after a suspension tied to remarks about Charlie Kirk drew 6.26 million viewers on ABC on Monday, the largest audience the program has drawn in more than a decade. The network noted that the tally does not include streaming viewership, but it highlighted that the host's emotional, 20-minute monologue has been viewed more than 25 million times on social media, with YouTube views alone exceeding 15 million. Among adults under 50—the key late-night demographic—the episode was Kimmel's most-watched since a March 2015 broadcast that followed ABC's airing of the Academy Awards.

Nexstar, which along with Sinclair accounts for about a quarter of ABC's affiliates, said Wednesday that Kimmel will continue to be preempted on its stations while the company evaluates the program. The two groups operate in many smaller markets, including Nashville, Lubbock and Topeka. In a statement, Nexstar said it is engaged in productive discussions with ABC's parent company, Walt Disney Co., about ensuring the show reflects the diverse interests of the communities it serves.

The return featured an emotionally charged 20-minute monologue in which Kimmel said he never intended to make light of Charlie Kirk's death and pressed back against what he described as attempts to silence comedians. He condemned censorship and criticized FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, calling his conduct not legal and not American after Carr threatened action against late-night hosts. Kimmel also joked that former President Donald Trump had tried to cancel him but instead kept millions of viewers watching. He thanked supporters, including critics who stood up for his right to speak, and thanked Texas Senator Ted Cruz for his public backing.

The show also included remarks aimed at the broader political backlash surrounding the suspension, with Kimmel noting the pressure Disney faced and acknowledging the risks the network took in reinstating him. He told the audience that while he had no illusion about swaying minds, he believed in expressing his views and defending the principle of free expression. The monologue featured a moment of levity, but Kimmel also delivered a sober message about forgiveness and civility, recalling Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, and praising her for her grace in the wake of tragedy.

The controversy that led to the suspension spurred a wave of public commentary, including a high-profile open-letter signing by artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and more than 400 other figures in support of free speech. The White House, and President Donald Trump in particular, issued criticism ahead of Kimmel's return, with Trump posting on Truth Social that ABC had rehired a host who had drawn objections from critics. Trump argued the decision reflected politically motivated staff choices and pressed for reconsideration of the network's handling of the situation.

In a lighter moment that underscored the show's evolution after the pause, actor Glenn Powell appeared on the premiere episode, adding a familiar face to the broadcast. The following night, Robert De Niro appeared in a sketch that played on Carr's regulatory role, underscoring the blending of entertainment and politics that anchored the broadcast. As Kimmel closed the show, he urged viewers to consider the broader lessons of the moment, including the impact of social-media amplification and the responsibilities of broadcasters during times of political sensitivity.