What were the ratings for Jimmy Kimmel Live before the cancellation rumors?
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1. Summary of the results
The ratings for Jimmy Kimmel Live before the cancellation rumors have been declining over the past decade, with the show averaging 2.4 million viewers in 2015 and dropping to 1.6 million in 2025, a 37% decrease [1]. The show's ratings among the key demographic of adults 25-54 have also plummeted, falling from nearly 1 million viewers in 2015 to 261,000 in 2025, a 72% decline [1]. According to [2], Jimmy Kimmel Live averaged 1.77 million viewers in the second quarter of 2025, down from 2.4 million a decade ago, and was trailing behind Stephen Colbert's show in the ratings, but had a stronger performance in the 18-49 demographic [2]. Additionally, [3] reports that the show has seen a decline in its share of the key demographic of 18 to 49-year-olds, from 0.68 in 2013-14 to 0.16 in 2024-25 [3]. [4] and [2] also note that Jimmy Kimmel Live averaged 1.77 million viewers during the second quarter of 2025, which is down dramatically from a decade ago when the show averaged 2.4 million viewers [4] [2].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Some sources, such as [4], do not provide specific numbers for the show's ratings decline, but note that the show's return after a brief suspension may result in a ratings boost [4]. This alternative viewpoint suggests that the show's ratings may not be entirely doomed, and that a brief suspension could potentially lead to a resurgence in viewership. Furthermore, the sources do not provide a detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the decline in ratings, such as changes in viewer preferences or increased competition from other late-night shows. The sources also do not provide information on the show's revenue or profitability, which could be an important context for understanding the cancellation rumors. For example, [3] notes that the decline of late-night TV points to a larger issue, but does not provide further analysis on what this issue is or how it affects Jimmy Kimmel Live [3].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement asks about the ratings for Jimmy Kimmel Live before the cancellation rumors, but does not provide any context about the rumors themselves or the potential factors contributing to the decline in ratings. This lack of context could lead to a biased or incomplete understanding of the situation. Additionally, some sources, such as [1], present a more dramatic decline in ratings than others, such as [2], which could be due to differences in the time periods or demographics being measured [1] [2]. The sources also do not provide a clear explanation of who benefits from the cancellation rumors or the decline in ratings, which could be an important consideration for understanding the motivations behind the rumors. For example, [2] notes that Kimmel's show was trailing behind Stephen Colbert's show in the ratings, which could suggest that Colbert's show benefits from Kimmel's decline [2].