It is 3.5 times as many viewers as on average watch the program every evening, around 1.8 million. This despite the fact that two companies that together own a quarter of all ABC-connected TV stations refused to broadcast the episode on the network. This applied, among other things, to the local channel in the capital Washington DC.
On Youtube, Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue has been seen by over 15 million people.
Facts: Jimmy Kimmel's suspension
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Disney-owned TV company ABC stopped "Jimmy Kimmel live" last Wednesday after the host commented on the suspected murderer of right-wing debater Charlie Kirk - whom Kimmel implied could be a Trump supporter.
The announcement of the pause came after at least one distributor stated that it would replace the program "Jimmy Kimmel live" in the schedule.
In addition, the chairman of the US Communications Authority (FCC), Brendan Carr, threatened to withdraw ABC's broadcasting license after Jimmy Kimmel's statements
The decision was praised by President Donald Trump, but was met with massive criticism, not least from Hollywood.