Jimmy Kimmel breaks records with 6.26 million viewers as late-night show returns to TV, calls Trump ‘anti-American’

Core Insights - Jimmy Kimmel's return to host "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" achieved record viewership, with 6.26 million viewers, significantly higher than the usual 1.55 million this year [1][2] - The show was suspended on September 17 due to Kimmel's comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, leading to a surge in online views for his opening monologue, which garnered over 26 million views on YouTube and social media [2][3] - Kimmel expressed support for Disney but criticized the suspension decision made by CEO Bob Iger and Dana Walden, labeling government threats to comedians as anti-American [3][4] Industry Context - The late-night talk show segment has seen a decline in viewership overall, with Kimmel's ratings down approximately 37% from a decade ago, reflecting a broader trend of audiences shifting to streaming services and social media [5] - Despite the high viewership for Kimmel's return, the total does not account for viewers on streaming platforms, and the absence of major ABC affiliates like Nexstar Media Group Inc and Sinclair Inc, which reach about 23% of US households, may have impacted overall ratings [4]