Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel ‘s return to TV airwaves Tuesday night after his suspension for remarks he made over the assassination of right-wing media personality Charlie Kirk drew a significant U.S. audience.

Kimmel’s return on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” drove 6.26 million total viewers to the broadcast, ABC’s parent company, Disney, said in a statement Wednesday, despite being pre-empted in 23 per cent of U.S. TV households. The show also amassed more than 26 million views on YouTube and other social platforms, according to the media giant.

Nexstar and Sinclair, owners of many ABC affiliate stations, said they would pre-empt the show and will continue to do so after Tuesday.

Kimmel missed four shows during his suspension over his remarks, sparking a fierce debate about free speech

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