Full Breakdown
Jimmy Kimmel Attributes Late-Night Ratings Surge to CBS’s Cancellation of Stephen Colbert
7/24/2026, 12:23:20 AM
Core Event
In an interview with *Variety*, Kimmel credited the network’s decision—widely interpreted as an effort to appease President Donald Trump—for a jump in his show’s audience.
Background & Context
CBS cancelled Colbert’s program, citing the show’s poor ratings. Critics argued the move was part of a broader strategy to win favor with the Trump administration, which had previously targeted the network for alleged bias. The displaced audience appears to have migrated to Kimmel’s timeslot on ABC.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
He added that his program had been performing well before the shift but that the influx of “orphaned” Colbert viewers gave it a notable boost. CBS, for its part, attributed the cancellation to Colbert’s declining numbers, without directly addressing the alleged political motivation.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights how network programming decisions can ripple across competing late-night lineups, especially when political considerations are perceived to influence scheduling. Kimmel’s surge underscores the continued relevance of traditional television viewership in an era dominated by podcasts and online video, suggesting that network late-night shows can still capture large audiences when rival options disappear.
