“Once more, I am the only martyr in late night,” Stephen Colbert said, joking about his own canceled show while sharing news of Kimmel’s return to air.

The network’s removal of Mr. Kimmel’s show last week almost immediately morphed into a flashpoint for free speech in America.

Stephen Colbert jokingly declared he is once again the \

“Once more, I am the only martyr in late night,” Stephen Colbert said, joking about his own canceled show while sharing news of Kimmel’s return to air.

The "Late Show" audience erupted at the line.

The return of the late-night host’s show raises questions about how the Trump administration, TV affiliate owners and viewers might react.

The show is coming back after backlash from comments Mr. Kimmel made on air last week. But not everyone will be able to view the episode live.