JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” return results in massive audience tune-in. (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images)
Disney via Getty Images
ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live returned to late night on Tuesday, drawing 6.26 million total viewers, according to Nielsen’s initial Live+Same Day measurement, despite being preempted in 23 percent of U.S. TV households.
Among key adults 18–49, the show delivered a 0.87 rating — its highest regularly scheduled episode in more than 10 years (since March 12, 2015).
Beyond linear television, Kimmel’s opening monologue struck a chord online, amassing more than 26 million views across YouTube and social platforms.
Kimmel had been suspended from Jimmy Kimmel Live! following controversial remarks he made about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. His comments drew sharp criticism from conservative figures and media outlets. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr condemned Kimmel’s remarks as “truly sick” and accused him of spreading misinformation, warning that the FCC had a “strong case” for holding Kimmel, ABC, and parent company Disney accountable. In response, major ABC affiliate groups Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group announced they would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their stations indefinitely.
The suspension sparked widespread backlash from various sectors, and the controversy only amplified anticipation for his return, resulting in massive tune-in.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 18: A view of signs left by demonstrators protesting the suspension of the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” show outside the El Capitan Entertainment Centre where the show is performed in Hollywood on September 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Kimmel’s ABC late-night show has been “indefinitely” taken off the air following controversy over his comments about the killing of Charlie Kirk. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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The moral of the story: Even amid controversy and preemptions, compelling content and a strong connection with audiences can still resonate on network television.
There is no word at press time when Jimmy Kimmel Live will be fully cleared.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2025/09/24/jimmy-kimmel-returns-to-late-night-with-massive-tune-in-despite-preemptions/
