Fact check: What factors contribute to the decline in Jimmy Kimmel's show ratings?

1. Summary of the results

The decline in Jimmy Kimmel's show ratings can be attributed to several factors, including a significant drop in total viewers and a substantial decline in the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults ages 25-54, with a 37% drop in total viewers and a 72% drop in the key demographic ^[1]. The show's ratings have been declining over the past decade, with some sources reporting an 11% decline in viewership from the previous month, resulting in approximately 1.104 million viewers in September 2025 ^[2]. Poor ratings, pressure from Trump and his allies, and a precarious business model are cited as key factors contributing to the decline ^{[3] [4]}. Additionally, the fragile state of late-night TV, with ad spending on late-night shows dropping to $221 million in 2024, down from $439 million in 2018, may have also played a role ^[4]. The suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show by ABC, following his comments about Charlie Kirk's death, has also been reported ^[5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources provide additional context, highlighting five key facts: Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination, the FCC Commissioner's threat, Kimmel's poor ratings, his history of criticizing Donald Trump, and the fact that big media companies are businesses that prioritize profit ^[3]. Other sources note that late-night TV is under threat from Trump and a precarious business model, with declining ratings and pressure from Trump and his allies ^{[4] [2]}. However, some sources do not provide in-depth analysis or specific information about the factors contributing to the decline in Jimmy Kimmel's show ratings ^{[6] [7]}. Alternative viewpoints include the reactions of various late-night TV hosts to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, as well as the boycott of Disney+ and Hulu streaming services by some people in response to the suspension ^[8]. It is also worth noting that Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk's death were a significant factor in the suspension of his show ^[5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading or biased as it does not provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the decline in Jimmy Kimmel's show ratings ^[1]. President Donald Trump's statement that Kimmel's show was pulled off the air largely because of poor ratings may be self-serving and politically motivated ^[1]. Additionally, some sources may have a conservative bias, citing Kimmel's history of criticizing Donald Trump as a factor in the decline of his show's ratings ^[3]. On the other hand, liberal sources may emphasize the pressure from Trump and his allies as a key factor in the decline of late-night TV ^[4]. ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's show may have been influenced by political considerations, rather than solely by ratings ^[5]. Overall, it is essential to consider multiple sources and alternative viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the decline in Jimmy Kimmel's show ratings ^{[1] [3] [4] [2] [5]}.