Overview

• Preliminary Nielsen data show 6.26 million viewers for Tuesday’s broadcast, the show’s biggest regularly scheduled audience in more than a decade.
• Kimmel’s opening monologue amassed more than 26 million views across YouTube and social platforms, with trade reports noting a new YouTube high for the show.
• ABC said the broadcast was unavailable in roughly 23% of U.S. TV households as Nexstar and Sinclair continued to preempt the program, with both companies saying discussions with Disney are ongoing.
• Disney had suspended the show after Kimmel’s Sept. 15 remarks about the killing of Charlie Kirk, then reinstated it following days of criticism and talks with the host.
• In his return, Kimmel defended free speech, clarified he never intended to make light of the murder or blame any group, and faced renewed attacks from President Donald Trump as FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s earlier threats remained a flashpoint.