Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings are thriving despite blackouts from two of the largest owners of local TV stations and ABC affiliates nationwide.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to its late-night slot with a record-smashing 6.3 million viewers on Tuesday night, making it the most-watched regular episode in the show’s 22-year history, according to Variety.

Tuesday night’s broadcast also saw a 343% increase from the previous season’s average of 1.4 million viewers, according to Variety and Nielsen’s preliminary data.

Why Jimmy Kimmel’s Ratings Could Have Been Even Higher

However, Kimmel’s impressive 6.3 million ratings could have been even higher if Nextar and Sinclair — two major operators of local TV stations and ABC affiliates nationwide — hadn’t blacked out Jimmy Kimmel Live! from 23% of US house

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