Sinclair Puts Jimmy Kimmel Back on the Air and Viewers Can’t Get Enough of His Wild Ratings Comeback

Jimmy Kimmel is back, baby — and not just back, but blowing up. After a tense standoff, Sinclair Broadcast Group has finally decided to return Jimmy Kimmel Live to its ABC affiliate lineup. What happened next? Only one of the most ridiculous ratings spikes in late night TV history. You love to see it.

UPDATE 9/27 9AM EST: Nexstar has also ended their Jimmy Kimmel ban.

If you’ve been wondering why your local ABC station mysteriously swapped out Jimmy Kimmel for reruns of Shark Tank, you’re not alone. Sinclair had pulled the plug on Kimmel's show during a spat over his sharp political commentary, especially his jabs at Donald Trump. But after weeks of public pressure and a ratings bonanza that couldn’t be ignored, they’ve changed their tune. Welcome to the drama that’s turning late night into must-watch TV again.

Why Did Sinclair Pull Jimmy Kimmel in the First Place?

Sinclair is one of the largest owners of ABC affiliates in the US, and for a while, they were not thrilled with Jimmy Kimmel’s unapologetically snarky tone — especially when it came to President Trump. The blackout was meant to send a message. Kimmel, naturally, didn’t back down. Cue the standoff. But guess what? The viewers picked a side.

Kimmel Returns and Instantly Dominates Ratings

Since returning to air, Jimmy Kimmel Live has posted some of its biggest numbers in years. One recent episode drew over six million viewers — nearly four times its usual audience. Even better, Kimmel dominated the 18 to 49 demo, the holy grail of TV advertising. Looks like the people missed their late night roast master.

Even without full Sinclair coverage at first, fans flocked to streaming and digital platforms. The buzz was impossible to ignore. The numbers? Unarguable.

This is a major win not just for Jimmy Kimmel but for late night TV in general. It proves that freedom of speech wins in the end and it reminds networks that playing it safe doesn’t always pay off.

Kimmel’s Comeback Is Sinclair’s Headache

Sinclair thought they could mute Jimmy Kimmel. Instead, they handed him a headline and a ratings jackpot. Now he’s back, louder than ever, and the viewers have spoken — with their remotes.

If you're looking for proof that standing your ground can pay off in prime time, Jimmy Kimmel just delivered it with a mic drop.

Still watching? You should be. Kimmel’s back, and he’s only getting started.