Jimmy Kimmel Live ratings fall amid backlash over Melania Trump joke

8 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 27

ABC's 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' lost 5% of total viewers and 13% of its 18-49 demographic in March, ranking third behind 'Gutfeld!' and 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'
Melania Trump and Donald Trump publicly condemned Kimmel's 'expectant widow' joke, calling it hateful and divisive, while ABC faces scrutiny over supporting Kimmel despite declining ratings and controversy.
The incident has reignited debates on media ethics, free speech, and the business viability of late-night comedy, as industry ad revenue for late-night shows has dropped 50% since 2018.

Is declining ad revenue, not controversy, the real threat to late-night TV hosts?

Does audience alienation from partisan humor explain the 50% drop in ad revenue?

With major shows ending, is the traditional late-night talk show format now obsolete?

What new format could replace the costly, host-centric late-night talk show?

Can late-night comedy survive if it abandons its focus on political humor?

Where do networks draw the line between controversial comedy and a fireable offense?