Data has been released according to which the monologue of American comedian Jimmy Kimmel after his return to the air has gathered record viewership, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
The first issue after the suspension of the show Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC, in which he addressed viewers with a monologue of the host, combining humor with humility and seriousness, was watched on television by 6.26 million viewers, which is his highest-rated episode in more than a decade. The ratings were achieved despite 23% of households in the US not being able to watch it because some local ABC affiliates refused to broadcast the show.
On social media, Kimmel's monologue has garnered nearly 26 million views, including 15.3 million on YouTube and 6.3 million on Instagram.
Kimmel became embroiled in controversy after President Donald Trump and other government officials accused him of mocking the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on his September 15 broadcast. His show was later temporarily taken off the air, but ABC decided to bring it back. The case has sparked heated debates in the US over free speech.