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Jimmy Kimmel has officially staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in late-night television history.
The ABC host’s return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week drew an extraordinary 6.26 million viewers, marking his biggest audience in more than ten years. Even more impressively, the figure represents a tripling of his usual nightly ratings, which typically hover around 1.8 million viewers.
Kimmel’s return comes after a highly publicised suspension tied to controversial remarks he made regarding the assassination of Charlie Kirk. While Monday night’s episode was still pre-empted across 23 percent of the country, the huge ratings suggest that audiences were eager to hear from him directly.
An Emotional Opening
The most talked-about moment of the episode was Kimmel’s 20-minute monologue, which combined humour, candour, and heartfelt reflection. His words resonated far beyond television: ABC has revealed that the monologue has already been viewed over 25 million times on social media platforms, sparking widespread conversation online.
For long-time viewers, the return felt like vintage Kimmel, blending his trademark wit with emotional honesty. Many noted that it was one of the most powerful openings in the show’s history, a reminder of why he has remained a fixture in the late-night landscape for over two decades.
Late-Night Rivalries Reignited
Kimmel’s surge in viewership is particularly striking given the competitive nature of late-night television. In recent years, he has consistently trailed behind rivals such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon in ratings. Monday’s broadcast not only placed him firmly back in the spotlight but also set a new benchmark for what late-night can achieve in an era where streaming and social media dominate.
Television analysts have pointed out that the event underscores the enduring importance of live TV as a cultural touchstone. “Kimmel proved that when something truly resonates, audiences will show up, not just online, but on network television,” one industry insider told Variety.
A Career Milestone
For Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, the night represents both a professional triumph and a personal vindication. The controversy surrounding his suspension had cast uncertainty over his future, but the ratings surge indicates strong audience loyalty and widespread public interest in his voice.
Whether this momentum carries forward in future episodes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jimmy Kimmel is back in a big way, and audiences are paying attention.
