The monologue Jimmy Kimmel delivered on his return to late-night US television has been seen nearly 19 million times on YouTube and Instagram.

Kimmel's monologue had 13.3 million views on YouTube and 5.6 million on Instagram, on Wednesday afternoon (Thursday AEST). Broadcast ratings for Tuesday's show were not yet available.

ABC affiliates in several major markets did not carry the show, which aired hours after network parent Walt Disney lifted his suspension.

Kimmel returned to the air six days after his remarks about the accused killer of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk provoked social media outrage and pressure from US President Donald Trump's administration.

The company's decision to cut short Kimmel's exile marked a high-profile act of corporate defiance in the face of Trump's es

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