Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Record-Breaking 6.3 Million Viewers Following Controversy

Jimmy Kimmel has returned to his late-night show with unprecedented viewership numbers. Tuesday night's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! attracted 6.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular episode in the program's 22-year history, according to Variety.

Nielsen's preliminary data revealed that the broadcast experienced a remarkable 343% increase from the previous season's average of 1.4 million viewers. In the crucial adults 18-49 demographic, the show achieved a 0.87 rating, representing a 568% increase from last season's 0.13, and marking the highest rating for a regularly scheduled episode since 2015.

During his Tuesday monologue, Kimmel humorously addressed the ratings surge, noting that critics who previously claimed his show received "no ratings" had been proven wrong. He suggested that attempts to cancel him had "backfired," instead drawing millions of additional viewers.

The show had been temporarily suspended following controversial comments Kimmel made about right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10 in Utah. The suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, has been apprehended and charged.

In his September 15 monologue, Kimmel had stated that the "MAGA gang" was "trying to characterise this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them" to "score political points from" the killing. These remarks sparked significant backlash, prompting ABC to temporarily pull the show from the air.

Upon his return, Kimmel clarified his position: "You understand that it was never my intention to make light of a murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it."

He further explained, "I understand that to some, that felt either ill-timed or unclear, or maybe both, and for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset."

Kimmel emphasized, "I don't think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This is a sick person who believes violence is a solution, and it isn't."

Despite the record-breaking ratings, Nexstar has decided to continue preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! on its ABC stations while evaluating the show and engaging in discussions with Disney to ensure it aligns with community interests, according to The NY Post.