Tuesday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode drew 6.26 million viewers, per preliminary Nielsen data, nearly quadrupling its typical audience despite over 20% of ABC affiliates boycotting the broadcast.
The figures, which exclude streaming viewership, are expected to rise as more data is reported.
The episode marked Kimmel’s return after ABC and Disney suspended the show on September 17 following backlash over Kimmel’s comments about the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s Tuesday monologue focused heavily on free speech. “This show isn’t important,” he said. “What matters is living in a country that allows a show like this.”
Nexstar and Sinclair, major TV groups, preempted the episode on their affiliates, citing objections to Kimmel’s remarks. Nexstar later noted ongoing “productive discussions” with Disney.
Achieving 6.2 million viewers without an NFL playoff lead-in or full affiliate support is remarkable.
The show averaged 1.6 million viewers during the 2024-2025 season. Kimmel’s monologue also went viral, amassing over 15 million YouTube views.