Jimmy Kimmel Monologue: Watch what he said about Charlie Kirk and Trump on his return to TV

Jimmy Kimmel made a triumphant return to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, September 26, 2025, following weeks of political controversy and media pressure. The host was welcomed with a standing ovation and chants of "Jimmy, Jimmy" from an emotional audience at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, marking one of the most talked-about comebacks in late-night television this year.

In a deeply emotional opening monologue, Kimmel kicked things off with a joke steeped in TV history: "As I was saying before I was interrupted...," referencing Jack Paar's famous return to The Tonight Show in 1960. With that, Kimmel positioned himself among the legacy of great hosts while making it clear that his recent absence had not been by choice.

A Passionate Defense of Free Speech

The comedian thanked both his supporters and "those who don't support my show or what I believe, but support my right to share those beliefs." He added, "Our government cannot be allowed to control what we do and do not say on television," earning another round of applause from the audience. These remarks came in direct response to the controversy surrounding his comments on the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which prompted harsh backlash from political figures and media groups like Nexstar and Sinclair, both of which preempted the show in various markets.

Kimmel didn't shy away from the incident, and with his voice cracking, said: "It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man."

In classic Kimmel fashion, he also took jabs at Donald Trump, who just an hour before the show aired, launched a fresh attack on ABC and the host, calling them a "true bunch of losers." Kimmel remained undeterred, delivering his signature biting political humor.

You can watch Jimmy Kimmel's full monologue below:

A Return Amid Controversy and Broad Support

The show's return followed ABC's decision to bring it back after what the network called "thoughtful conversations" with Kimmel. The network had previously suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! stating that the comments were "ill-timed and thus insensitive," and aimed to avoid escalating a tense national moment. That decision, however, sparked a wider debate on censorship and government overreach.

More than 400 public figures, including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Ben Affleck, Ben Stiller, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, signed an ACLU letter defending Kimmel and condemning threats to free speech. Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner also weighed in, asking, "Where has all the leadership gone?" - a remark reportedly not well received by current Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, and John Oliver also voiced their support, with Oliver delivering a particularly sharp critique of Iger: "History is also going to remember the cowards who definitely knew better but still let things happen, whether it was for money, convenience, or just comfort."

Even Republican Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee (which oversees the FCC), warned that government interference with speech sets a dangerous precedent that could later be used against conservatives.

What's Next for Kimmel?

While Jimmy Kimmel Live! is back on air, it still isn't being broadcast live in roughly a quarter of the country due to the ongoing blackout by certain affiliate groups. Still, Kimmel's return marks a significant moment in the defense of press freedom and reinforces his role as a sharp, unapologetic voice in American television.