Overview

• Disney brought the show back earlier this week after pulling it in the wake of Kimmel’s comments about Charlie Kirk, and the host returned with a clarification of his intent and a defense of free speech.
• The comeback episode drew about 6.3–6.4 million viewers with a 343% gain over last season’s average and a 0.87 rating among adults 18–49, according to Variety citing Nielsen, while a YouTube clip topped 15 million views in roughly 18 hours.
• Sinclair said Friday it is returning the program to its ABC affiliates, reversing its boycott and expanding the show’s reach across 27 markets.
• Nexstar stated it is negotiating with Disney and continues to keep the show off its stations, maintaining a partial blackout even after the national reinstatement.
• President Donald Trump renewed attacks on Kimmel and ABC on Truth Social, as earlier warnings from FCC Chair Brendan Carr to broadcasters continue to draw concern over government pressure.