Fact check: What is the average viewership of Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC?

1. Summary of the results

The average viewership of Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC has been declining over the past decade, with a reported 37% decline in average viewership since 2015, reaching 1.6 million in 2025 ^[1]. Specifically, in September 2025, the show's viewership slipped 11% to 1.104 million viewers, ranking third in late-night shows ^[2]. The show's ratings have been consistently declining, with Jimmy Kimmel Live routinely ranking behind The Late Show with Colbert, suggesting a decline in viewership ^[3]. The average viewership numbers provided by the sources vary, with one source reporting 1.6 million viewers in 2025 ^[1] and another reporting 1.104 million viewers in September 2025 ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key context missing from the original statement includes:

• The factors contributing to the decline in viewership, such as changes in viewer preferences or increased competition from other late-night shows ^[1].
• The impact of the decline in viewership on the show's future, including the possibility of suspension or cancellation ^[2].
• Alternative viewpoints on the show's performance, such as the potential for the show to rebound in viewership or the impact of external factors on the show's ratings ^[3].

Some potential alternative viewpoints that are not presented in the analyses include:

• The show's performance in terms of demographics, such as its viewership among younger audiences or diverse populations.
• The show's online presence and engagement, including its performance on social media and streaming platforms.
• The potential for the show to adapt to changing viewer preferences and remain relevant in the current television landscape.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be subject to potential misinformation or bias, as it does not provide a clear or consistent picture of the show's average viewership ^{[1] [2]}. The sources cited present different viewership numbers and rankings, which may be due to differences in methodology or timing ^{[1] [2]}. Additionally, the sources may have different agendas or biases, such as a focus on the show's decline in viewership or its potential impact on the network ^{[2] [3]}. The potential beneficiaries of this framing include:

• Competing late-night shows, which may benefit from Jimmy Kimmel Live's decline in viewership ^[2].
• Networks or streaming platforms, which may see an opportunity to poach talent or attract viewers away from ABC ^[3].
• Media outlets, which may benefit from the attention and clicks generated by reporting on the show's decline ^{[1] [2]}.