Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to Late-Night Breaks Ratings Records Despite Limited Airing

After a week-long, high-profile suspension, Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday night to a record-breaking audience. The show, which was at the center of a national free speech debate, drew its highest ratings in a decade, a sign that the public was eager to see the comedian’s response to the controversy.

The surge in viewership came despite a significant number of ABC’s affiliate stations boycotting the broadcast, showcasing the power of a national cultural conversation to drive an audience.

A Ratings Triumph: The Numbers Are In

According to initial data from Nielsen, an estimated 6.26 million people tuned in to watch “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on Tuesday, September 23. This figure is about four times the show’s average viewership of 1.42 million during the 2024-2025 season, making it the most-watched regularly scheduled episode since March 2015.

The broadcast ratings do not even include the massive online viewership. Disney has confirmed that Kimmel’s emotional monologue garnered a staggering 26 million views across YouTube and other social media platforms within the first 24 hours, becoming one of his most-watched monologues to date. The ratings triumph is particularly notable because nearly a quarter of all U.S. households were unable to watch the show due to ongoing preemptions by station owners Sinclair and Nexstar.

An Emotional Monologue on Free Speech and Forgiveness

In a powerful and at times tearful monologue, Kimmel addressed the controversy head-on, stating, “it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.” He said he regretted that his previous remarks were interpreted as “ill-timed or unclear” and offered a moment of sincere reflection.

The comedian also passionately defended free speech, labeling threats from government officials and political figures as “anti-American” and “dangerous.” He criticized President Donald Trump for rooting for people to lose their jobs, declaring, “Our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.”

Towards the end of his monologue, Kimmel praised Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, for her act of publicly forgiving her husband’s killer, calling it a “selfless act of grace” that should be an example for others to follow.

Praise and Criticism from All Sides

Kimmel’s return was met with a divided reaction. Actor Ben Stiller and other celebrity supporters lauded the “brilliant monologue” and praised his courage. Meanwhile, critics, including Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet, said the apology was “Not good enough” and that Kimmel failed to fully take responsibility for his words.

The episode served as a powerful moment for late-night television, demonstrating that in an era of fragmented media, a highly charged political and cultural event can still capture the attention of millions and reaffirm the relevance of late-night commentary.