New Delhi, Sept. 27 -- The Sinclair Broadcasting Group has confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to its ABC-affiliated stations immediately, ending a week-long blackout that had kept the late-night programme off the air for millions of households.

Sinclair, the second-largest television station operator in the United States, had suspended broadcasts of the show after Kimmel made controversial remarks following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The decision coincided with ABC's temporary removal of the programme, before Kimmel returned on Tuesday evening to an audience of 6.3 million viewers-more than triple the show's usual figures.

However, nearly a quarter of U.S. households were unable to tune in due to the co...