viewership crisis, advertising struggles, television ratings decline, late-night show failure, broadcast network dissatisfaction

Local ABC affiliates are calling me nonstop to share just how dead Kimmel’s show really was….

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The numbers were worse than anyone realized. Viewership was nonexistent, ads wouldn’t sell, and stations were fed up with being forced to air it.

It was set to collapse at any… pic.twitter.com/ZpUq871NX9

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— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) September 19, 2025

Overview of Kimmel’s Show Ratings Collapse

In a recent tweet, Benny Johnson highlighted a concerning trend regarding the viewership of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show. Local ABC affiliates are reportedly inundating Johnson with calls, expressing their frustrations about the show’s alarming ratings decline. This situation has reached a critical point, where the numbers are described as "worse than anyone realized."

Dire Viewership Statistics

Johnson’s insights suggest that Kimmel’s show is suffering from a significant lack of viewership. The term "nonexistent" was used to characterize the audience numbers, indicating that the show is struggling to attract even a minimal audience. This lack of viewership poses a serious threat to the show’s sustainability, making it increasingly difficult for the network to justify its ongoing production and airing.

Advertising Challenges

An additional concern raised in Johnson’s tweet revolves around the show’s inability to sell advertisements. In the competitive landscape of television, advertising revenue is crucial for sustaining a show’s financial viability. Without sufficient viewership, advertisers are hesitant to invest in ad slots, resulting in lost revenue for both the show and the network. This lack of ad sales represents a significant challenge that Kimmel’s show must overcome, further complicating its survival prospects.

ABC Affiliates’ Frustration

The cumulative impact of low viewership and advertising challenges has led to frustration among local ABC affiliates. According to Johnson, these stations are becoming increasingly fed up with being compelled to air a show that is not resonating with audiences. The pressure to fill programming slots with content that does not attract viewers creates a difficult situation for affiliates, who rely on engaging programming to draw in audiences and, in turn, advertisers.

The Future of Kimmel’s Show

With the current trajectory, Johnson suggests that Kimmel’s show is "set to collapse." The combination of nonexistent viewership, failed ad sales, and affiliate frustration paints a bleak picture for the show’s future. As the late-night talk show landscape becomes more competitive, Kimmel’s show must find ways to revitalize its appeal to both audiences and advertisers to avoid further decline.

Conclusion

The insights shared by Benny Johnson regarding the state of Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show underscore a significant crisis in viewership and advertising. With local ABC affiliates expressing their concerns and frustrations, the future of the show hangs in the balance. To survive in the cutthroat world of late-night television, Kimmel’s show must urgently address these challenges, attract a larger audience, and reinvigorate its advertising appeal. The situation serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics of television viewership and the importance of staying relevant in a competitive landscape.