Citation? Or did you just make that up?
ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" may be losing money, with projections suggesting annual losses between $20 million and $60 million due to declining ratings and plummeting ad revenues, though the network also profits from affiliate fees and its value as a branding platform. The immediate financial impact from the show's recent temporary cancellation was a potential loss of nearly $70 million in year-to-date ad revenue, with advertisers pulling spending.
Gutfeld!'s audience is very large and is the highest-rated late-night show on cable television, with recent averages reaching over 3.2 million total viewers in Q2 2025 and even exceeding 4.9 million total viewers for a historic Donald Trump interview in September 2024. The show consistently ranks as the top cable news program, particularly among the key 25-54 demographic, and attracts more independents and Democrats than other late-night shows.
In early 2025 (Q2), Jimmy Kimmel Live! averaged 1.77 million total viewers, while in September 2025, it averaged 1.104 million total viewers. In terms of the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, Kimmel had 220,000 viewers in Q2 2025, though the show had declined significantly in this demographic over the past decade, with a 72% loss in the critical demo by 2025 compared to 2015.
While exact figures are not public, Gutfeld! is a highly cost-efficient late-night show, with an episode costing significantly less than other late-night programs, potentially around $1 million or less per episode, to produce, due to its simpler format and significantly lower talent costs compared to network counterparts.
Factors influencing production cost:
- Lower Talent Costs:
Greg Gutfeld's estimated salary of $7 million a year is significantly lower than what a major network host like Stephen Colbert would command, and the show uses a smaller cast.
- Simpler Format:
A late-night comedy show, while complex, is less expensive than a scripted series or a large variety show like Saturday Night Live which has numerous cast members, elaborate sets, costumes, and weekly musical guests.
- Production Expenses:
The production of a single episode can vary significantly, but typically includes costs for staff salaries, set design and maintenance, technical equipment, and advertising.
