Jimmy Kimmel’s Ratings Plummet After Controversial Return

Los Angeles — ABC’s "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" saw a sharp decline in viewership following a highly publicized return on Sept. 23, 2025, after a brief suspension prompted by host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Kimmel’s Tuesday return drew 6.5 million viewers, but by Thursday, the show averaged just 2.3 million, a 64% drop. The decline was steeper in key demographics: adults aged 25-54 fell 73% from 1.7 million to 465,000, and adults aged 18-49 dropped 73% from 1.2 million to 334,000.

The controversy began earlier in September when Kimmel falsely suggested that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in Kirk’s assassination, was part of the "MAGA gang," despite reports indicating Robinson held left-wing views. The remarks, made during a broadcast, drew backlash and prompted scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission. Nexstar and Sinclair pulled the show from their stations, and Disney suspended the program for less than a week.

Kimmel returned with an emotional monologue but did not fully apologize, a decision criticized by Kirk’s supporters. “Kimmel is an unrepentant liar who tried to blame Charlie’s assassination on the part of the country that just spent the last 2 weeks praying and holding vigils,” said Andrew Kolvet, spokesman for Turning Point USA.

Nexstar and Sinclair resumed airing the show on Friday. The program’s viewership has been declining for a decade, dropping from 2.4 million in 2015 to 1.6 million in 2025, a 37% decrease.

--REAL AMERICA'S VOICE

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