ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! recorded its most-watched season since the 2014 to 2015 edition, capturing 2.62 million viewers. This surge follows the conclusion of CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which left a significant vacancy in the late-night television market. Kimmel’s program saw a 34 percent increase in ratings compared to the previous season, solidifying its position in the competitive 11:35 p.m. time slot.
Late-Night Audience Migration
The departure of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in mid-May created an immediate shift in late-night viewership patterns. Data from Nielsen confirms that Jimmy Kimmel Live! experienced a 53 percent year-on-year increase in viewers on June 1, the first night that both ABC and NBC’s The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon returned with new episodes following Colbert’s exit. By June, Kimmel’s show had reached an average of 3.15 million viewers, marking the best-ever monthly audience in the show’s 23-year history.
Did you know?
Jimmy Kimmel characterized the influx of new viewers by quipping to Variety, “I’ve always thought of our show as an orphanage.”
The Impact of Network Programming Decisions
The cancellation of The Late Show franchise was announced by CBS last July. The decision followed public criticism from Colbert directed at Paramount, the network’s parent company, regarding a $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump. The controversy stemmed from allegations that the CBS program 60 Minutes had deceptively edited an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. Despite the cancellation, the final episode of Colbert’s show drew 6.74 million viewers, the most-watched weeknight episode in the show’s 11-year run.
Copyright Compliance and Licensing Costs
The transition period for late-night programming also brought attention to intellectual property standards. During his final broadcast on May 21, Stephen Colbert featured the theme song from the Peanuts television specials, “Linus and Lucy,” without obtaining prior licensing permission. Colbert acknowledged the risk during the broadcast, stating that those using the music without authorization would “have to pay through the nose.”
CBS subsequently paid an undisclosed amount to Lee Mendelson Film Productions Inc. (LMFP) to cover the licensing fees for the unauthorized use of the Vince Guaraldi track. LMFP later confirmed that the funds received from the network were donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit created by Chef José Andrés.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jimmy Kimmel’s ratings increase?
Ratings for Jimmy Kimmel Live! rose significantly following the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. With Colbert’s audience looking for new late-night programming, many viewers migrated to ABC, resulting in a 34 percent increase for Kimmel’s full season.
What happened to the Peanuts song licensing fee?
After Stephen Colbert used the song “Linus and Lucy” without permission on his final show, CBS paid an undisclosed licensing fee to Lee Mendelson Film Productions Inc. The company donated those proceeds to World Central Kitchen.
How much did viewership grow for Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
The show saw a 17 percent increase in viewership from May to June. Overall, the season-over-season growth reached 34 percent, moving from 1.95 million viewers to 2.62 million.
Stay informed on the latest developments in media and entertainment. Subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates on industry shifts and reporting.
Related reading