Overview

• Preliminary Nielsen data shows 6.26 million viewers and a 0.87 adults 18–49 rating, the best regularly scheduled episode in more than a decade.
• Roughly 66 affiliates owned by Nexstar and Sinclair preempted the broadcast, leaving about 20–23% of U.S. TV homes without the episode.
• ABC posted the first 28 minutes to YouTube, where the clip quickly surpassed 15 million views and topped about 26 million across platforms.
• Social accounts for Jimmy Kimmel Live! logged sharp gains, with sizable increases on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok tracked by Social Blade.
• ABC suspended the show on Sept. 17 after controversy over Kimmel’s remarks; he addressed the issue on return and criticized FCC pressure, while talks with station groups continue and Hulu tallies remain unreported.