Jimmy Kimmel's return to late-night TV was watched by 6.3 million broadcast viewers, with more than 26 million views across YouTube and social media.

On Sept. 23, the Emmy-winning comedian addressed his ABC suspension following backlash over comments he made on the Sept. 15 show about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On his return, Kimmel's opening monologue lasted nearly 18 minutes and was part emotion, part humor and part call-to-action.

Kimmel choked up as he said he never intended to make light of Kirk's murder, bashed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr for advocating for the show's suspension and emphasized that freedom of speech must be protected.

While some viewed the host's return speech with admiration, others, including President Donald Trump, criticized his performance and ABC's decision to bring "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" back.

Here's how fans, critics and celebrities responded to Kimmel's speech.

Social media users praise Jimmy Kimmel's monologue

Kimmel's monologue received applause by many outside the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles Tuesday night with social media posts calling the speech "moving," "historic" and a "must-watch."

Others called Jimmy Kimmel's apology inauthentic: 'Fake cries'

Among those critical of the speech was the president's son Donald Trump Jr., who condemned Kimmel for refusing to refer to the suspect in Kirk's killing as a leftist.

Television host Piers Morgan said Kimmel was crying "crocodile tears" after ABC suspended him for comments about Kirk. Megyn Kelly, a podcaster who lost an NBC show after comments about "blackface" Halloween costumes, rejected Kimmel’s "self pity."

And Sean Spicer, a White House press secretary during Trump's first term, noted Kimmel hadn't apologized for his Kirk remarks.

Ben Stiller, more celebs react to Jimmy Kimmel monologue

Ahead of his return to late-night, more than 400 celebrities signed an open letter from the American Civil Liberties Union showing support for Kimmel after the suspension.

Following Kimmel's monologue, stars like "Severance" executive producer Ben Stiller and "It" author Stephen King commented on Kimmel's return.

Meanwhile, other people in the industry had mixed reviews about Kimmel's return and his monologue.

Rob Schneider, a vocal Trump supporter who spoke out about Kimmel's suspension last week, slammed the late-night talk show host and said he "lied again" in his Tuesday monologue.

Contributing: Bart Jansen, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Jimmy Kimmel monologue elicits reaction from Trump Jr., Ben Stiller and people in between

Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star

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