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Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC with high viewership after suspension

Jimmy Kimmel receives standing ovation as audience chants his name during show opening

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to ABC with a significant viewership of 6.3 million, despite an estimated 23% of US households being unable to watch due to a boycott by Nexstar and Sinclair.
The show was suspended after Kimmel's comments accusing “MAGA gang” of politicizing the killing of Charlie Kirk sparked outrage and led to an FCC official suggesting ABC's license was at risk.
Kimmel's comeback monologue achieved viral status online, garnering over 14 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million on Instagram, marking his most-watched upload in more than a year.
The suspension drew criticism from numerous Hollywood and political figures, including Barack Obama, who raised free speech concerns, with over 400 celebrities signing an open letter in support of Kimmel.
During his emotional return, Kimmel clarified that he never intended to trivialize the murder or blame a specific group, instead expressing compassion and highlighting Erika Kirk's act of forgiveness.