Jimmy Kimmel’s Ratings Surge After Comeback Monologues
Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night television is drawing huge audiences across both broadcast and digital platforms. The longtime host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! delivered back-to-back monologues this week that have quickly become some of his most-watched segments ever, signaling that interest in his commentary is at a high point.
Record-Breaking Online Views
Kimmel’s emotional Tuesday night comeback monologue has already become his most-viewed clip on YouTube, closing in on 20 million views. By Thursday morning, his Wednesday night follow-up had surpassed 3.5 million views, ranking as one of his top-performing videos of the year.
These numbers reflect more than a single-night spike. The continued momentum suggests that viewers are not just tuning in for one viral moment but are actively seeking out Kimmel’s perspective night after night.
Strong Traditional Ratings Despite Blackouts
On television, the ratings story is just as impressive. According to Nielsen, Kimmel’s Tuesday night return episode drew at least 6.3 million viewers, a significant boost compared to his usual audience. That total is expected to rise once delayed and on-demand viewing are added in.
Part of the surge in online traffic may be linked to ongoing disputes between Disney and two major station operators, Nexstar and Sinclair. Both companies control ABC-affiliated stations in key U.S. markets, accounting for about 23% of American television households. With Kimmel’s show blacked out in those regions, many viewers have turned to YouTube and other digital platforms to watch his monologues.
Nexstar said this week it is engaged in “productive discussions” with Disney to resolve the matter, while Sinclair referred media inquiries back to its earlier statement.
Kimmel Fires Back at Trump Criticism
The late-night host also fueled attention by addressing President Donald Trump’s recent Truth Social post, in which Trump criticized Kimmel’s ratings. Kimmel used part of his Wednesday monologue to deliver a sharp rebuttal.
“This was his big closer: ‘Let Jimmy Kimmel rot in his bad ratings,’” Kimmel told his audience. “And he does know bad ratings: He has some of the worst ratings any president has ever had. On behalf of all of us, welcome to the crappy ratings club, Mr. President.”
The quip quickly circulated online, further driving engagement with his latest videos.
What the Numbers Mean
While late-night television has faced ratings challenges in recent years, Kimmel’s surge demonstrates that viral clips can translate into measurable momentum for a program. His ability to spark conversation across multiple platforms may also provide a blueprint for how late-night shows can stay relevant in a fragmented media environment.
For now, Kimmel appears to be capitalizing on the moment. With millions watching online and millions more tuning in on television, his comeback week is shaping up to be one of the strongest in his two-decade career.
Are you excited to see Kimmel back on the air? Feel free to bookmark or to post to your timeline for reference later.