Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel made his return to television last night after his show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", was briefly canceled. The cancellation followed comments Kimmel made regarding the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which ignited discussions about free speech and executive power in the U.S.

Kimmel took the stage to applause, expressing gratitude to the audience. He began his monologue by addressing his time away from the show and the support he received during that period. "Anyways, as I was saying before I was interrupted," he quipped, setting a lighthearted tone despite the serious backdrop of his return.

During the episode, Kimmel confronted the controversy directly. He stated, "I don’t think what I have to say is going to make much of a difference. If you like me, you like me. If you don’t, you don’t; I have no illusions about changing anyone’s mind." He emphasized that it was never his intention to make light of the murder of a young man, referring to Kirk's assassination. Kimmel added, "I don’t think there is anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it, I still do."

Kimmel also distanced himself from the actions of the alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, stating, "I don’t think the murderer who shot Charlie Kirk represents anyone. This was a sick person who believed violence was a solution, and it isn’t."

The controversy escalated when Kimmel criticized former President Donald Trump, saying, "You almost have to feel sorry for him. He tried his best to cancel me, but instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show." Kimmel's comments came after Trump expressed disbelief over Kimmel's return on social media, suggesting that ABC's decision was politically motivated.

The cancellation of Kimmel's show was celebrated by some on the right, while others, including hundreds of Hollywood figures, rallied in support of Kimmel, calling the suspension a threat to free speech. A letter from prominent entertainers, including Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, stated, "We all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power – because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us."

Kimmel's return episode also featured actor Robert De Niro, who made a guest appearance parodying FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Kimmel used the platform to discuss other current events, including Trump's recent comments at the United Nations.

As Kimmel navigated the fallout from the previous week's events, he reiterated the importance of free speech. He remarked, "This show is not important. What is important is that we live in a country that allows us to have a show like this." Kimmel's return marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over free expression in the media.