UPDATE: Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television has sent shockwaves through the media landscape. In his second show back, Kimmel fiercely addressed President Donald Trump’s latest attacks, labeling him an “80s-movie-style bully” during a highly-anticipated monologue on July 12, 2023.
Kimmel wasted no time, launching directly into a line-by-line roast of Trump’s recent social media tirade, where the president accused Kimmel of being “yet another arm” of the Democratic Party. Trump also issued a thinly veiled threat to “test ABC” over what he deemed “a major Illegal Campaign Contribution.” Kimmel quipped, “Only Donald Trump would try to prove he wasn’t threatening ABC by threatening ABC.”
The late-night host defended his pointed humor, stating, “I talk about Trump more than anything because he’s a bully. I don’t like bullies – I played the clarinet in high school.” His remarks resonate deeply as they address the broader implications of free speech and political discourse in America.
This return comes on the heels of a turbulent week for Kimmel, who was suspended indefinitely from his show after controversial comments regarding the suspected killer of activist Charlie Kirk. The backlash from conservative circles, including an outcry from Trump-aligned FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, led to immense scrutiny of Kimmel’s remarks. Carr described Kimmel’s comments as “the sickest conduct possible,” hinting at potential repercussions for ABC’s affiliate licenses.
In a powerful comeback, Kimmel emphasized the importance of free speech, stating, “This show is not important. What’s important is that we live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.” His return episode garnered record-breaking ratings, reaching tens of millions across ABC, YouTube, and social media platforms, despite ongoing preemptions by Sinclair and Nexstar, which own 64 ABC affiliates across nearly 30 states, including major cities like Seattle, Portland, and Nashville.
During the show, Kimmel acknowledged the impressive viewership, noting, “You know a lot of people watched our show last night,” while clarifying that it wasn’t accessible to “most of the country, not all of the country.”
The fallout from Kimmel’s comments has sparked significant debate. Critics, including Vice President JD Vance, have accused him of failing to apologize adequately to Kirk and his family. Vance commented, “I watched it and look, in some ways it was kind-hearted. On the other hand, he didn’t actually say sorry.”
Kimmel’s emotional and jocular approach to the situation has resonated with viewers, as he continues to advocate for the importance of standing up against perceived bullying from political figures. His remarks are not just about entertainment; they reflect a cultural moment in which comedians and public figures navigate the fine line between humor and accountability.
As the discourse unfolds, all eyes are on Kimmel’s next moves and how this ongoing saga will impact the late-night landscape. Will Kimmel continue to draw such large audiences? Can he maintain his edge while addressing the backlash? Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to evolve.
