Welcome as we once again highlight reader comments from the past week. We are picking up where we left off, and that’s the latest on Jimmy Kimmel, who this week returned to the airwaves after an almost weeklong suspension over comments he made after the killing of the conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Kimmel’s suspension and swift return put him at the center of a political storm involving President Donald Trump that ignited debates on freedom of expression. Kimmel’s return episode saw the show shatter its ratings record–hitting its best viewership in a decade. ABC said 6.26 million people watched Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday as the host addressed the controversy that sidelined him, while also thanking fans for their support.
Arguments persist however: Should Kimmel have returned? Should he have been suspended at all? We turn to your comments to further the conversation and highlight your opinions on a story that continues to dominate the news.
On the Response From Conservatives To Kimmel’s Return
Original Article: Jimmy Kimmel’s Emotional Kirk Monologue Lacked Apology, Conservatives Say
Background: Jimmy Kimmel returned after a six-day suspension that sparked national debates over free speech, media pressure and political influence. Conservative voices criticized Kimmel, saying he had not offered a full apology for his remarks about Kirk’s assassination during the show.
Original Comment: “Trump didn’t break Kimmel; he energized him. Viewership of Kimmel’s monologue has already broken records. Already 7 million people have viewed it on YouTube. That’s by far the most watched Kimmel video on YouTube in the last 6 months. The median Kimmel video gets ~240k views.” — Trickster
Editor’s Note: This commenter responds to the article by pointing out that Kimmel’s return demonstrates a high-profile controversy can still galvanize millions to tune in to television. It sparked widespread conversation, drawing even more people to see his response for themselves.
From the Same Article:
Original Comment: “Kimmel still doesn’t get it. He is free to speak his mind, but that freedom doesn’t extend to public airwaves. Broadcast TV is not protected by the same free speech rights as private speech. Anyone who airs profanities or violates broadcast standards can face serious consequences from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). However, I like the tone of the show now, seems more neutral compared to previous episodes. As long as he keeps it that way, I don’t think he will have any further issues.” – TerryMackey
Editor’s Note: The commenter draws a distinction between personal speech and what’s permissible on broadcast television, citing FCC regulations as a limiting factor. While critical of Kimmel, they also note a shift in tone on the show, one they see as a step in the right direction.
On Trump’s Reaction to Kimmel’s Return
Original Article: Donald Trump Fumes Over Jimmy Kimmel’s Return: ‘Bunch of Losers’
Background: Trump expressed his anger over Kimmel’s return, saying the host was “not funny” and “his talent was never there.”
Original Comment: “On Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order ostensibly aimed at taking the government out of the speech-policing business. ‘Government censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society,’ it said. Miller, likewise, in 2022 labeled free speech the “cornerstone of democratic self-government” and equated censorship to fascism. So, free speech for me but not for thee.” — ab_normal
Editor’s Note: This commenter draws attention to what they view as a contradiction between Trump’s past rhetoric on free speech and his recent criticisms of Kimmel. The comment reflects broader concerns around consistency in how public figures interpret and apply free speech principles, especially when targeted by opposing viewpoints.
On Jimmy Kimmel’s Response to President Trump
Original Article: Jimmy Kimmel Unleashes on Donald Trump After President Decries His Return
Background: The comedian fired back at Trump during Wednesday night’s episode after the president complained about the late-night host’s return to air.
Original Comment: “Kimmel made good points in his first night back. I’m not a fan of his but he was right.” – blueandjade
Editor’s Note: Even from a self-described nonfan, this comment signals that Kimmel’s remarks struck a chord. It suggests that the issues raised since Kimmel’s return may have carried weight beyond his usual audience.
On ABC Affiliates Refusing to Air Kimmel’s Return
Original Article: Nexstar Joins Sinclair, Won’t Show Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC Return
Background: Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group–two groups of ABC affiliates that denounced Kimmel last week–said they would not air his return.
Original Comment: “Kimmel is lucky to have a job at all. His viewership in the prime 25-59 category is down 72% from 2015 and down 32% overall. How can ABC continue showing him at all based on these stats?” — z3_patriot
Editor’s Note: This commenter questions the long-term viability of Kimmel’s role at ABC, citing a decline in key viewership metrics. This reflects concerns some viewers have raised about performance, accountability, and network priorities in the face of both controversy and audience shifts.
Thank you for your continued discussions that carry on the conversation. Make sure to check out more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.