Story perspectives

Late-Night TV Decline: Viewership Plummets Amid Political Pressures

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Only 25% of Americans watch late-night shows monthly, primarily Democrats, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
Streaming services and shifting audience preferences contribute to declining full program viewership.
However, 60% of adults watched late-night clips in the past year.
Concerns arise over political pressures following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and Stephen Colbert's cancellation.
Ad revenue for late-night shows dropped significantly from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million last year.

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Story summary

Only 25% of Americans watch late-night shows monthly, primarily Democrats, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
Streaming services and shifting audience preferences contribute to declining full program viewership.
However, 60% of adults watched late-night clips in the past year.
Concerns arise over political pressures following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and Stephen Colbert's cancellation.
Ad revenue for late-night shows dropped significantly from $439 million in 2018 to $220 million last year.