Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to Late Night TV Breaks Ratings Records Amid Controversy

Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night TV after a nearly weeklong suspension resulted in the highest ratings for his show in a decade. On Tuesday, 6.26 million people tuned into *Jimmy Kimmel Live!*, a number that is about three times the average viewership. The show was Kimmel’s first since he was pulled off air last week due to controversial comments he made about a suspect in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Despite the controversy, including a significant portion of ABC stations not airing the show, the episode saw a surge in viewership. Additionally, 26 million viewers watched Kimmel’s emotional 28-minute monologue on social media. Kimmel’s remarks had triggered a debate over free speech, with some supporting him and others criticizing him. The show’s return was met with praise from celebrity figures like actor Ben Stiller, though critics, including former President Donald Trump, expressed disdain for Kimmel’s reinstatement. Kimmel, in his return, spoke tearfully, stating that he never intended to make light of the murder and called out both FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Trump for their actions. The overall controversy and subsequent discussions have continued to spark debates about free speech and the boundaries of comedy on public platforms.