Jimmy Kimmel has criticized anti-American threats to free speech during an emotional return to late-night US television - following a brief suspension after his comments about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Through tears, the comedian said during Tuesday's comeback show that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.
Kimmel accused the head of the organisation that regulates American TV of mob tactics, and poked fun at President Donald Trump's appearance at the UN - including an escalator mishap.
But Tuesday's episode was not available to viewers in all markets, due to opposition from some local stations affiliated with Kimmel's network ABC.
Those broadcasters, which are run by the companies Nexstar and Sinclair, reportedly account for about one in five of ABC's local stations in the US. Kimmel's broadcast was, however, available on streaming service Hulu + Live TV, which is owned by ABC's parent company Disney.
Trump, who had welcomed the comedian's suspension, was critical of the reinstatement, writing: I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! had been pulled after its host's statements about the shooting of Kirk caused uproar earlier this month.
In a monologue at the time, the comedian said Trump and his allies were desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and trying to score political points from it.
He also likened Trump's reaction to Kirk's death to how a four-year-old mourns a goldfish. Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at a university event in Utah on 10 September. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with murder.
Speaking on Tuesday's programme, Kimmel insisted he had not wanted to blame any specific group for Kirk's murder. But I understand that to some that felt either ill-timed or unclear or maybe both, he said. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset.
Kimmel praised Erika Kirk for forgiving her husband's alleged killer during a memorial service that was held at the weekend. It was a selfless act of grace... that touched me deeply, he said.
The comic criticised Trump for calling for the axing of his fellow late-night hosts – all of whom are frequent critics of the president as they riff on the day's biggest news stories. Kimmel emphasized, Our leader celebrates people losing their livelihoods because he can't take a joke... it's un-American and dangerous.
Kimmel also criticized Brendan Carr, the head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates US television. Kimmel alleged that Carr was once a free speech advocate but flipped after Kimmel's controversial broadcast.
He was joined by Hollywood legend and Trump critic Robert De Niro, who appeared in a skit portraying Carr. Kimmel accused the FCC of using mob tactics to suppress free speech, to which De Niro quipped: Speech, it ain't free no more.
The comedian's comeback was praised by celebrity supporters, including actor Ben Stiller, who lauded the brilliant monologue. Yet Trump expressed disbelief over Kimmel's return, stating that something had changed as Kimmel’s audience was GONE.
Despite local TV stations replacing Kimmel's show, Disney ultimately decided to bring it back after having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy.
