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Kimmel Dominates Late Night Ratings
29 Sep
Summary
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! achieved its highest ratings in eight years.
- Kimmel's show ranked number one in total viewers and key demographics.
- Controversies and feuds contributed significantly to the ratings surge.
Jimmy Kimmel Live! has ascended to the top of the late-night ratings chart, achieving its most-watched season in eight years during 2025-2026. The show averaged two million total viewers weekly and secured the No. 1 spot in its time slot for the current 2026-2027 season. This success follows the departure of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," which previously led the ratings.
The significant rise in viewership is closely linked to a year marked by considerable controversies and public commentary from Kimmel. Notably, a temporary suspension in September 2025, following remarks about Charlie Kirk, led to an episode drawing 6.26 million viewers, its highest in over a decade. Ongoing public exchanges with President Donald Trump and his administration have also fueled public interest.
Kimmel's recent year included a controversial quip about Melania Trump in April 2026, which prompted calls for his dismissal after an incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Further public sparring with Trump continued through June 2026. Additionally, an interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, initially declined for broadcast by ABC, was later published online and garnered 13 million views.
In December 2025, Kimmel and ABC agreed to a contract extension, ensuring "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" remains on the network through at least May 2027.
