New York: Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves on Tuesday night (11.35 pm ET), breaking his silence after nearly a week away following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! over controversial comments regarding the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The late-night host used his opening monologue to deliver an emotional defence of free speech, address his remarks, and criticise both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and President Donald Trump.

Kimmel speaks out in emotional monologue

In a monologue lasting over 15 minutes, Kimmel told viewers, “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 added that he had not intended “to blame any specific group,” acknowledging that some had perceived his earlier comments differently.

Kimmel took the stage to a long standing ovation and chants of “Jimmy, Jimmy.” He took aim at FCC chairman Brendan Carr’s criticism of the show, calling such threats “un-American” censorship. He expressed gratitude to fellow comedians, supporters and even conservatives like Ben Shapiro and Senator Ted Cruz who had defended his right to free expression.

“This show is not important,” Kimmel said. “What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.”

He closed his monologue with a personal reflection, recalling remarks by Erika Kirk at her husband’s memorial service. “Erika Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. It touched me deeply,” he said. “And if there’s anything we should take from this tragedy to carry forward, I hope it can be that - and not this.”

The suspension and return

Disney, which owns ABC, announced Kimmel’s return after stating that it had engaged in “thoughtful conversations” with the comedian during the week-long break. The network had suspended production after Kimmel’s September 15 monologue, in which he criticised supporters of President Donald Trump for politicising Kirk’s death.

“Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” Disney said in a statement. “We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”

Kimmel lashes out at Trump as president criticises his return

During his return monologue, Jimmy Kimmel targeted President Donald Trump, saying the president “did his best to cancel me” but “instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show.” Kimmel added, “the president of the United States made it very clear he wants to see me and the hundreds of people who work here fired from our jobs. Our leader celebrates Americans losing their livelihoods because he can’t take a joke.” He further stated, “One thing I did learn from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin and Howard Stern, is that a government threat to silence a comedian the President doesn’t like is anti American.”

Around an hour before Kimmel’s return, Trump took to social media to criticise both Kimmel and ABC. “I can’t believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back,” he posted, adding, “Why would they want someone back who does so poorly, who’s not funny.”

“The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled! Something happened between then and now because his audience is GONE, and his ‘talent’ was never there.” He added, “I think we’re going to test ABC out on this,” and later remarked, “Let’s see how we do. Last time I went after them, they gave me $16 Million Dollars. This one sounds even more lucrative,” referencing a settlement he reached with ABC News last year in a defamation case.

Ongoing opposition from affiliates

Despite the return of the show to ABC, major broadcast groups including Sinclair and Nexstar continued to preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live! on their affiliate stations, covering roughly 23% of US households. Sinclair announced it would replace the show with news programming until Kimmel offered an apology to Kirk’s family and made a donation to Turning Point USA. Nexstar stated, “We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve.”

Support and backlash

Kimmel’s suspension had drawn widespread criticism from Hollywood and free speech advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union released a letter signed by more than 400 actors and writers condemning Disney’s decision as “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.” Signatories included Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Ben Affleck and Robert De Niro.

On his return, Kimmel acknowledged that, while the show itself may not be the most important thing, the ability to speak freely is. “Most of all I want to thank the people who don’t support my show and what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs anyway,” he said.

Streaming and availability

While preemptions continue on several ABC affiliates, Jimmy Kimmel Live! remains available nationally through Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ABC’s digital platforms, with full episodes posted online and clips shared on YouTube.