As ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show due to plummeting ratings, the future of this liberal media staple hangs in the balance, leaving conservatives to question the sustainability of such programming.
Story Overview
- Jimmy Kimmel’s show is suspended by ABC due to low ratings.
- Speculation about the show’s cancellation is rife.
- ABC has not officially confirmed the show’s termination.
- The suspension reflects broader trends in late-night TV.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Show Suspension: Ratings Crisis and Network Decisions
In early September 2025, whispers of internal discussions at ABC about the future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” began to circulate due to declining viewership. Reports soon followed, notably from Breitbart, claiming that Kimmel was “f**king livid” over the suspension of his show. This decision is reportedly driven by persistently low ratings, with many interpreting the suspension as a precursor to cancellation.
The show, which premiered in 2003, has been a significant presence in late-night television, particularly known for Kimmel’s satirical approach and political commentary. Yet, the landscape has shifted, with streaming platforms and social media rising to prominence. From 2020 to 2024, late-night ratings have declined across networks, exacerbated by changing viewer habits and political fatigue. Despite these challenges, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” experienced sharper declines than its competitors from 2023 onwards, prompting ABC to consider changes to its late-night lineup.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives and Network Strategy
ABC, along with its parent company Disney, holds the decision-making power in this scenario, focusing on ratings, ad revenue, and competitive positioning. For Kimmel, the suspension poses a threat to his career longevity and public reputation. Advertisers, key stakeholders in the show’s success, are likely reassessing their partnerships, given the dwindling audience and engagement levels. The power dynamics suggest that while Kimmel’s influence is notable, it remains secondary to network priorities.
As of September 18, 2025, no official statement has been made by ABC or Kimmel regarding the show’s cancellation. However, internal sources suggest an imminent decision. In the meantime, reruns or alternative programming are filling the show’s time slot, and production staff have been warned of potential layoffs. This uncertainty leaves both staff and viewers in limbo, while industry analysts speculate on the future of ABC’s late-night programming.
Broader Impacts on Late-Night Television
The suspension and potential cancellation of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” are indicative of broader trends affecting the late-night television industry. In the short term, the suspension disrupts the production staff, leading to job losses and career uncertainty. For viewers, it marks the loss of a familiar late-night fixture. In the long term, the move may prompt ABC to reevaluate its strategy, potentially accelerating the shift towards digital content and streaming platforms.
Economically, ABC could face reduced ad revenue but may offset this with cost savings from the show’s termination. Socially, the shift highlights changing media consumption patterns, with traditional TV viewership on the decline. Politically, the industry loses a prominent liberal voice in late-night commentary, reflecting a broader change in how audiences engage with political content. This scenario underscores the challenges facing traditional broadcast networks as they navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Sources:
Variety, “Late-Night Ratings: The Decline of Network TV” (2025)
Hollywood Reporter, “ABC Considers Late-Night Shakeup Amid Ratings Crisis” (2025)
Deadline, “Jimmy Kimmel Live! Faces Uncertain Future” (2025)
Nielsen Ratings Data, Q2-Q3 2025
