Jimmy Kimmel Returns to ‘Live!’ After Suspension

Jimmy Kimmel is back on ‘Live!’ 6 days after ABC placed the show on an indefinite hiatus over his comments regarding Charlie Kirk‘s death and he walked out to his studio audience giving him a standing ovation.

Jimmy joked about preempting “Celebrity Family Feud” then admitted the past 48 hours felt surreal. He compared it to the CEO of Tylenol’s week. He said everyone he’s ever known has reached out, even Larry, the Seattle radio boss who fired him years ago for refusing to do a donut bit. “Even he checked in. Thank you, Larry.”

He thanked viewers for speaking up so his voice could be heard, highlighting even those who disagree with him but defended his right to stay on the air.

Kimmel thanked late-night hosts from Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon to John Stewart, and Jay Leno. He said support even came from abroad.

As we told you Jimmy returned to Instagram earlier Tuesday to share a photo of himself with Norman Lear, who was an advocate for the First Amendment.

We also saw him heading into his Hollywood studio hours before the show looking serious and focused on getting inside.

As we reported Monday, ABC announced Jimmy would be back on air following “thoughtful conversations” with him over the last few days.