Others argue that the drop in ratings could be attributed to broader trends in media consumption. With the rise of streaming platforms and on-demand content, traditional television ratings have been on a steady decline across the board. In this context, the low ratings for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” might reflect not just the specifics of the episode with De Niro but a larger shift in how and when people choose to engage with late-night talk shows.
The historically low ratings for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” have ignited a conversation about the future of late-night television. Hosts and producers are increasingly faced with the challenge of balancing entertaining and engaging content with the potential divisiveness of political discourse. The incident has prompted some to call for a reevaluation of the role of late-night talk shows in a changing media landscape, suggesting that these programs may need to adapt to maintain relevance and viewership.