Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned Tuesday, Sept. 23 after its brief suspension — and nearly 6.3 million people tuned in!
According to Nielsen, approximately 6.26 million viewers watched the show on Tuesday, despite it being pre-empted on Nexstar and Sinclair affiliate stations, which make up 23% of U.S. TV households. These numbers do not include streaming.
According to ABC, the show typically draws about 1.6 million viewers per episode.
Among adults 18-49, Jimmy Kimmel Live! earned a 0.87 rating, which is the show’s highest rated regularly scheduled episode in over 10 years.
RELATED: Jimmy Kimmel Addresses Charlie Kirk’s Family, Advocates for Free Speech During Return Episode
In addition to traditional viewership, Kimmel’s monologue has over 15 million views on YouTube as of 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sept. 24 — quickly becoming his most-watched monologue on the platform ever.
Kimmel himself anticipated the successful comeback, showing a clip of President Donald Trump claiming the show gets “no ratings” during his nearly 30 minute-long monologue.
“Well, I do tonight!” Kimmel retorted back. “You almost have to feel sorry for [Trump]. He tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.”
RELATED: ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Will Not Return to ABC Affiliate That Demanded Apology to Charlie Kirk’s Family
In addition to making jabs at the president, Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his Charlie Kirk comments, offering clarification and speaking kindly about the political influencer’s widow, Erika Kirk. He also took time to advocate for the right to free speech, arguing that pulling him and other late-night hosts off-air would be a threat to democracy.
Only time will tell if Kimmel’s ratings continue to remain high. Jimmy Kimmel Live! returns for a new episode on Wednesday, Sept. 24 featuring Ethan Hawke, Lisa Ann Walter, and musical guest YUNGBLUD.
Kimmel’s full monologue from Tuesday night’s episode can be viewed here.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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