‎Jimmy Kimmel Returns to Record Ratings After Trump Criticism and Brief Suspension

By: Shawn
‎Jimmy Kimmel Live! has officially returned to the late-night lineup following a weeklong suspension, and the comeback drew the largest regular-episode audience in the show’s 22-year history.
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‎The host was greeted with thunderous applause and chants of “Jimmy! Jimmy! Jimmy!” during his second show back on ABC. Kimmel opened with lighthearted preemption jokes and quipped about fellow network program The Golden Bachelor before shifting to his signature political humor, taking aim at President Donald Trump.
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Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns after suspension, drawing record ratings as Trump attacks the host and ABC over his reinstatement.
‎Randy Holmes/Disney
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‎Trump had taken to his Truth Social platform to criticize ABC’s decision to reinstate the comedian. His post claimed the network was risking its credibility, calling Kimmel’s act unfunny and suggesting ABC’s move could amount to an “Illegal Campaign Contribution.” He ended his post with, “Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
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‎Kimmel responded during his monologue, remarking, “Only Donald Trump would try to prove that he’s not threatening ABC by threatening ABC.” He later underscored Trump’s remarks on ratings by displaying the president’s poor approval figures on screen.
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‎Even with nearly one-quarter of the country unable to watch due to affiliate blackouts, protests, and preemptions, Jimmy Kimmel Live! achieved its highest-ever viewership for a standard episode.
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‎The broadcast also featured a segment on Fox News host Jesse Watters’ so-called “escalator-gate,” a viral moment involving an apparent halt of a UN building escalator just as former First Lady Melania Trump and Donald Trump stepped onto it. The lighthearted coverage punctuated a monologue that balanced topical humor with sharp political commentary.
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‎Kimmel’s return followed a weeklong suspension tied to a controversial monologue referencing conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and alleged shooter Tyler Robinson. The comments sparked backlash from some station owners and sponsors, particularly after Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr weighed in on the issue. ABC’s decision to briefly pull the show drew widespread debate, but mounting support for Kimmel and calls for free speech ultimately led to the program’s reinstatement.
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‎Jimmy Kimmel Live! now resumes its regular schedule with a record-setting audience and heightened national attention surrounding its host.

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