Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to his late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” after a brief suspension by ABC. The suspension came in the wake of controversial remarks he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s first monologue since the incident has garnered significant attention, breaking records for views and ratings.
According to CBS News, Jimmy Kimmel’s return episode attracted 6.2 million viewers, nearly four times its average viewership. The episode was the highest-rated show in a decade for Kimmel, despite being off the air in 23% of TV households. The Guardian reported that Kimmel’s comeback monologue on YouTube has amassed over 14.8 million views in less than 24 hours, making it his most-viewed segment on the platform.
Kimmel addressed his suspension by ABC owner Disney, which was reportedly under pressure from the Trump administration. He clarified his remarks on the killing of Charlie Kirk and passionately defended free speech during his monologue. The show’s return was not without controversy, as about a third of the U.S. did not see it due to preemptions by ABC affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair.
The Slate described Kimmel’s return as one of the most significant episodes of a talk show in recent history. The late-night host’s monologue was revealing, shedding light on the challenges faced by comedians in navigating political and social commentary in today’s polarized climate.
Overall, Jimmy Kimmel’s return has sparked conversations about free speech, censorship, and the role of late-night hosts in shaping public discourse. The record-breaking viewership and ratings demonstrate the enduring popularity of Kimmel’s show and the public’s interest in his perspective on current events.
In conclusion, Jimmy Kimmel’s return monologue has captivated audiences and sparked discussions on a range of important issues. As late-night hosts continue to navigate the complexities of political commentary, Kimmel’s bold stance on free speech has resonated with viewers worldwide.
Political Bias Index: Green (Neutral)
References:
1. CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jimmy-kimmel-first-monologue-since-suspension/
2. Slate: https://slate.com/culture/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-live-return-show-monologue-abc-charlie-kirk-trump-maga.html?via=rss
3. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/sep/24/jimmy-kimmel-live-monologue
4. The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/business/media/jimmy-kimmel-ratings.html
5. BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0r9k9rw2no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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