Kimmel's return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! draws record ratings after suspension
Late-night host posts 6.26 million viewers in first episode back, despite preemptions in 23% of ABC markets and a 0.87 rating in 18-49
Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to the air Tuesday night with 6.26 million total viewers for its first episode back after a near week long suspension, according to early data from ABC and media partners. In the key 18-49 demographic, the episode earned a 0.87 rating, the show's highest regularly scheduled episode since March 2015. The ratings come despite the program not being carried in about 23 percent of U.S. households because Nexstar and Sinclair preempted ABC in their markets. Streaming tallies for the monologue have yet to be released in full, but clips posted to YouTube and other social platforms have drawn more than 26 million views since the show returned.
The suspension followed Kimmel's remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death last week. ABC pulled the program indefinitely, prompting a response from the FCC and Nexstar Media. Nexstar quickly vowed to preempt the show across its ABC markets. On Monday, ABC announced the show's return after what the network described as thoughtful conversations between the parties.
ABC described the decision to bring the show back as the result of those conversations. Two anonymous Page Six sources suggested the move was influenced by broader concerns about Disney chief executive Bob Iger and the company's finances, though ABC insiders stressed that the decision was a negotiated compromise reached after dialogue with Kimmel and his team. The network said its course was to restore a valued program while addressing the concerns raised during the pause.
Before the suspension, Kimmel's numbers had slumped to 1.1 million total viewers in August 2025, down 43 percent from January's 1.95 million. The Tuesday rebound, however, underscored the reach of late-night even amid distribution interruptions and the rising importance of streaming clips. The monologue has since drawn more than 26 million views across YouTube and other social platforms, adding to the overnight tally.
On Tuesday night, Kimmel opened with a tearful address to fans, saying it was never his intention to make light of the murder of a young man and that he did not mean to blame any specific group for the actions of what was described as a deeply disturbed individual. He offered condolences to the slain activist's widow, and acknowledged that some viewers found the remarks ill-timed or unclear, expressing understanding for those reactions but defending the core intent of his commentary. He also referenced a recent public jab from former President Donald Trump about his talent and ratings, saying with a smile that he would prove otherwise that night.
The remarks drew swift responses from the FCC and Nexstar Media, which owns a number of ABC affiliates. Nexstar moved to preempt the show in many of its markets, a decision that amplified calls among fans and industry observers for the network to stand by the program. After days of conversations and public pressure, ABC confirmed the show would return, framing the move as a measured step toward normal programming and dialogue with viewers.
As the ratings race for late-night entertainment continues to evolve, Kimmel's return illustrates how a high-profile controversy can intersect with audience hunger for familiar voice and format. While the early numbers reflect a one-night spike, the broader picture includes streaming growth and cross-platform engagement, with the monologue continuing to draw substantial online viewership that far exceeds traditional linear tallies.
