Jimmy Kimmel has faced significant backlash recently, particularly for his controversial comments surrounding the Charlie Kirk shooter incident. Following those remarks, pundits and commentators were outraged, leading to Kimmel being pulled from the airwaves by ABC. The response from the public was loud and clear, yet it seems their concerns may have been overstated. Much to everyone’s surprise, Kimmel returned to his show just a week later, having avoided a serious reckoning for his statements. His lackluster apology failed to satisfy Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Kirk, and many others who were disturbed by his actions.
In a twist, despite the outcry and his history of controversial rhetoric directed at former President Donald Trump, Kimmel appears to have been rewarded for his tumultuous year. He recently secured a one-year extension with Disney-owned ABC for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” This extension guarantees that his show will continue airing until May 2027. The public response to this news showcased mixed emotions, with critics taking to social media to voice their opinions. One particularly sarcastic comment noted that “ABC made all 85 of his viewers happy,” highlighting the disconnect many see between Kimmel’s perceived popularity and his actual ratings.
The ratings story surrounding Kimmel is telling. Initially, his return spiked interest, bringing 6.48 million viewers to the premiere episode. However, reality hit quickly. Kimmel lost more than half of that audience by his second night back, dropping to just 2.43 million. The downward trend continued into October, with his Oct. 1 episode drawing only 1.7 million viewers. These figures reflect a significant decline and illustrate Kimmel’s struggle to maintain an audience, especially when compared to his competitors in late-night television.
When viewed alongside the stronger ratings of rival shows, particularly those on Fox News, Kimmel’s performance stands out starkly. His apparent reward of a contract extension is perplexing given the sharp drop in viewership following his return. Critics wonder how a host who struggles to keep an audience can secure continued support from a network.
This situation raises questions about the current landscape of late-night television. Kimmel’s controversies and his polarizing politics may play a role in his fluctuating ratings, but it seems the decision makers at ABC see enough value in his brand to keep him around, despite the risks. It suggests that engagement, rather than consistent viewership numbers, might be the currency that matters most in the current media environment.
"*" indicates required fields
