Late-night television is no stranger to controversy, but few incidents have created as much buzz as the recent suspension and triumphant return of Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The show, hosted by comedian and longtime television personality Jimmy Kimmel, found itself at the center of heated political debates after comments made about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Following a temporary suspension, Kimmel returned to the airwaves with record-breaking viewership numbers — and he jokingly credited Donald Trump for the sudden surge in popularity.
The Suspension That Sparked Headlines
On September 15, 2024, during his monologue, Kimmel addressed the shocking death of Charlie Kirk. His remarks were sharp, political, and deeply critical of what he described as the “MAGA gang” trying to spin the narrative for political gain.
In addition to critiquing conservative responses, Kimmel mocked Trump directly. He shared a clip of the former president being asked about Kirk’s death, only for Trump to quickly pivot the conversation to ballroom construction at the White House. Kimmel quipped, “Yes, he’s at the fourth stage of grief: construction.”
While some praised his honesty, others — including FCC commissioner Brendan Carr — strongly condemned the remarks. Within two days, ABC suspended the show, citing the need for internal conversations.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Returns With Record Ratings
On September 23, 2024, Disney reinstated the show after what they described as “thoughtful conversations” with Kimmel. But instead of fading into the background, his return episode exploded with massive ratings.
- The show drew 6.26 million traditional TV viewers, nearly triple the average viewership.
- On YouTube, his monologue brought in 15.9 million views in less than 24 hours.
- By September 26, that clip had climbed to 21.7 million views, setting one of the highest digital records for the late-night program.
Kimmel wasted no time poking fun at his own situation. In his September 25 monologue, he said:
“This has been a tumultuous week. Even though we are still being preempted in 60 American cities, on Tuesday, we had our second-highest rated show in almost 23 years on the air. Our monologue from Tuesday night has more than 21 million views just on YouTube alone. And I want to say, we couldn’t have done it without you, Mr. President. Thank you very much.”
Kimmel Pokes Fun at Trump
After jokingly thanking Trump for the “ratings boost,” Kimmel continued to roast him. He noted that other TV programs seemed to take inspiration from the controversy, sharing a spoof where an Antiques Roadshow appraiser randomly insulted Trump while examining furniture.
He also teased that his show would soon broadcast from Brooklyn, joking that it was part of an effort to “stay ahead of the FCC.” The Brooklyn special will run from September 29 through October 3 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and will feature major celebrity guests including Emily Blunt, Ryan Reynolds, Tom Hanks, Kumail Nanjiani, Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Colbert, and Spike Lee.
Trump’s Reaction
While Kimmel found humor in the ordeal, Trump had a predictably fiery response. He celebrated Kimmel’s suspension earlier in September, calling him a “loser” on Truth Social. When ABC brought him back, Trump lashed out again, writing:
“I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. A true bunch of losers! Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad Ratings.”
Kimmel was quick to clap back. On his return night, he smiled and told the audience: “Well, I do tonight.”
The Bigger Picture: Politics, Media, and Free Speech
The Kimmel suspension raises broader questions about the role of free speech, media corporations, and political pressure in entertainment.
- ABC’s temporary suspension reflected the balancing act between supporting its host and responding to political backlash.
- Sinclair and Nexstar networks continued to preempt Kimmel even after Disney allowed his return, highlighting the growing influence of broadcasting corporations.
- Meanwhile, Nexstar’s pending $6 billion acquisition of Tegna, if approved by the Trump-controlled FCC, would give the company access to over 80% of American TV households.
For critics, this overlap between politics and media power is troubling. Kimmel himself leaned into the irony, using humor to expose how politics often dictates what Americans see on television.
A Career Defined by Controversy and Comedy
Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he’s tackled everything from healthcare debates to Hollywood scandals. This latest episode marks one of the most high-profile clashes between a late-night host and a sitting president.
But while the political tension is undeniable, the numbers don’t lie: controversy has made Kimmel more popular than ever. With millions tuning in, he may have just turned what could have been a career setback into one of the biggest boosts of his late-night career.
Conclusion: Trump Boosts His Critics?
Ironically, Trump’s criticism may have only fueled Kimmel’s success. What began as a suspension over controversial remarks ended with skyrocketing ratings, viral YouTube clips, and headlines across the world.
In thanking Trump, Kimmel wasn’t just delivering a punchline — he was acknowledging the strange reality of American media: in today’s world, political attacks often translate into publicity, and controversy is the ultimate ratings machine.
As the show gears up for its Brooklyn run, one thing is clear: Jimmy Kimmel is back, bolder than ever, and perhaps unintentionally backed by the very man who wants him off the air.