Brian Stelter

So, yeah, I think this story was unique in some ways amid all the other Trump controversies because it did create so much outrage and backlash.

And yes, I do think that made a difference.

We don't know for sure, right, what Disney was thinking.

We don't know what the bottom line impact of the cancellations were.

But I think what we do know for sure is that these executives love Jimmy Kimmel, they wanted the show to be back, and they decided by Monday the temperature had cooled down enough that they could do it, they could bring him back.

And now, here's the thing, right?

Kimmel's more powerful than ever because he's been explicitly approved and backed up by ABC.

Normally, we would say,

The Next Star and Sinclair total, they represent about 20% of the markets across the US where Kimmel show airs.

So normally, we would say, wow, 20% of the viewers can't watch Kimmel.

That's going to mean a ratings hit.

That's going to mean the ratings are going to drop.

That's going to be a big, big, bad problem for ABC.

But not in this case, right?

Because more than 20% of an additional audience poured in last night.

I can say that without even seeing the ratings yet.

Clearly, there's so much interest in this story that Kimmel and ABC are benefiting from a surge of viewer interest.

So, yes, in Seattle and Washington and in some smaller markets, people were not able to watch the show at 11.35.

But those viewers are just gonna work a little harder.

They're gonna go to YouTube or Hulu or Disney+.