Jimmy Kimmel has roared back onto late night TV with the kind of impact most networks dream about. His return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! after being suspended by ABC racked up more than 15 million YouTube views in just 16 hours, making it his most watched monologue ever on the platform.
For context, Kimmel’s previous high watermark came in 2017, when he revealed his newborn son’s life threatening heart condition, a moment that drew 14 million views. Tuesday night’s near half hour comeback eclipsed that, fuelled by weeks of political tension and the spectacle of a comedian staring down censorship.
Ratings and resistance
According to Nielsen’s preliminary figures, 6.26 million broadcast viewers tuned in, quadruple his usual nightly average of 1.6 million, even though dozens of Sinclair and Nexstar owned ABC affiliates refused to air the episode. That resistance itself has only fed the narrative, Kimmel is now both entertainer and reluctant free speech figurehead.
The controversy
Disney pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this month under pressure from the Trump appointed FCC after Kimmel’s remarks about the killing of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. The move drew outrage from across the spectrum, Hollywood unions, free speech advocates, even Republicans like Ted Cruz. Facing backlash, Disney reversed its decision, with Kimmel returning to confront the storm head on.
“I don’t think there’s anything funny about it,” Kimmel said, clarifying that his intention was never to mock Kirk’s death. He went further, calling his suspension “anti-American” and warning against government intimidation of comedians. It wasn’t a fiery tirade, but it was pointed, Kimmel reminding viewers that the stakes were bigger than one late night show.
Trump fires back
Predictably, Donald Trump lashed out on Truth Social before the episode aired, calling Kimmel talentless and hinting at legal retaliation against ABC. The clash added fuel to the broadcast’s viral reach, ensuring this wasn’t just another TV comeback, but a cultural moment.
With Jimmy Kimmel Live! now back on air, minus dozens of affiliates, the real test will be whether this surge is a one off or the start of a late night ratings renaissance. For now, Kimmel has turned suspension into spectacle, and the audience is eating it up.
Article Credit: The Guardian
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