Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Draws 6.3 Million Viewers Amid Boycott

Jimmy Kimmel Live! experienced a significant surge in viewership, attracting 6.3 million viewers on its return to ABC on September 19, 2023. This figure stands out particularly against the backdrop of a continuing boycott by local station owners, including Nexstar and Sinclair, which left an estimated 23 percent of American households unable to watch the show.

The late-night program had been suspended due to Kimmel’s controversial remarks regarding the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot at Utah Valley University on September 10. In the wake of the incident, Kimmel faced backlash for suggesting that certain political factions were exploiting Kirk’s death for their own gain. Following discussions with Disney, ABC’s parent company, Kimmel was reinstated, allowing him to address the controversy directly in his return monologue.

Viewership Details and Online Reaction

Prior to his suspension, Kimmel’s show had been averaging approximately 1.77 million viewers per episode during the second quarter of 2023. His return monologue not only captured a large television audience but also went viral online, amassing over 14 million views on YouTube and 5.7 million views on Instagram as of the afternoon of September 20. This remarkable engagement made it Kimmel’s most-watched upload in over a year, according to Rolling Stone.

In his emotional monologue, Kimmel expressed his remorse for any misunderstanding that may have arisen from his comments. “I do want to make something clear, because it’s important to me as a human,” Kimmel stated. “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.” He also conveyed his condolences to Kirk’s family and emphasized the need for compassion.

Political Reactions and Broader Implications

The fallout from Kimmel’s comments sparked a significant political debate. Brendan Carr, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), described Kimmel’s remarks as “truly sick” and hinted that ABC’s broadcasting license could face scrutiny due to the incident. Following Kimmel’s suspension, prominent figures, including former President Barack Obama, condemned the decision, raising concerns about the implications for free speech. More than 400 celebrities signed an open letter opposing Kimmel’s suspension, and protests occurred outside his Hollywood studio.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation. Initially supportive of the suspension, he later criticized ABC’s decision to reinstate Kimmel, stating on Truth Social, “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.” He questioned the network’s judgment, suggesting that Kimmel’s audience had diminished and that his talent had not been substantial.

Throughout his monologue, Kimmel highlighted a poignant moment from Kirk’s public memorial in Arizona, where Kirk’s widow, Erika, forgave the man who shot her husband. “That is an example we should follow,” Kimmel remarked, visibly emotional. “It touched me deeply.”

As the situation continues to unfold, Kimmel’s show remains at the center of discussions regarding free speech, media responsibility, and the role of late-night television in politically charged times. With the upcoming episodes likely to attract significant attention, it remains to be seen how the evolving narrative will shape Kimmel’s career and the broader entertainment landscape.