Jimmy Kimmel's Controversial Return to ABC Draws Record Ratings Amidst Backlash
Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC after a controversial suspension drew record ratings, attracting 6.26 million broadcast viewers and 26 million social media views, despite criticism.
Overview
Jimmy Kimmel returned to ABC after a brief suspension following controversial remarks about a man accused of shooting Charlie Kirk, sparking public backlash.
His emotional comeback monologue defended free speech but notably offered no apology for his initial comments, drawing sharp criticism from various sources including conservatives and Rob Schneider.
President Trump criticized ABC for reinstating Kimmel, suggesting legal action, while celebrity supporters like Ben Stiller and Stephen King praised his return.
Despite the controversy and some Nexstar and Sinclair affiliates preempting his show, Kimmel's return garnered record ratings for ABC.
The show attracted 6.26 million broadcast viewers, triple its average, and his monologue amassed over 26 million views on social media platforms, marking a decade-high.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of events and presenting diverse reactions without editorial bias. They detail Kimmel's record ratings and the context of his suspension, then balance his on-air response with criticisms from figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Kolvet, and support from Ben Stiller, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
Sources (129)
Center (38)
FAQ
Jimmy Kimmel made controversial comments about the man accused of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, suggesting that Trump supporters were trying to distance the shooter from the right-wing, which sparked public backlash and was seen as misleading by some authorities.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show to reevaluate the show's direction and ensure alignment with the network's values after concerns over inappropriate and insensitive content and in response to public backlash and pressure from advertisers and regulators.
The public reaction was divided; conservatives and figures like President Trump criticized ABC and suggested legal action, while celebrity supporters like Ben Stiller and Stephen King praised Kimmel's return. His comeback monologue defending free speech without an apology further intensified criticism.
Jimmy Kimmel's return drew record ratings, attracting 6.26 million broadcast viewers—three times its average—and his monologue received over 26 million views on social media, marking a decade-high despite some stations preempting the show.
Federal regulators, particularly FCC Chair Brendan Carr, pressured ABC by threatening license reviews, and some Nexstar and Sinclair affiliate stations preempted the show, contributing to the show's indefinite suspension due to regulatory and affiliate concerns.
History
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