Overview

• After an initial rebound, viewership has fallen rapidly, with reports saying Kimmel has lost about 85% of his post-suspension bounce and is averaging roughly 1.7 million viewers, below pre-pause levels.
• Nexstar and Sinclair have replaced or preempted “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on certain ABC affiliates, with Nexstar publicly objecting to his on-air remarks about Charlie Kirk.
• ABC pulled the show from Sept. 17 to Sept. 22 following Kimmel’s Sept. 14 comments about Kirk’s killing, then reinstated it with an apology episode that drew more than 6 million viewers.
• News coverage notes NPR praise for Kimmel’s return while conservative outlets emphasize claims that FCC pressure loomed over ABC’s decision, a linkage described in commentary rather than established by ABC.
• A Geo News report cites an insider describing behind-the-scenes turmoil and staff anxiety over jobs and pay if the program were curtailed again.