The Commentary Magazine Podcast Late Night With Jimmy Who?
29 snips
Sep 19, 2025 The fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's suspension raises questions about viewership and the future of his show. Discussions delve into why networks favor safe, inoffensive late-night hosts and how political pressures shape these decisions. The hosts explore the impact of shrinking audiences and the rise of conservative alternatives in late-night television. They also recommend thought-provoking fiction and nonfiction that examines cultural and technological themes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Late Night Audience Is Fragmented
- Broadcast late-night now targets a shrinking, older audience while the prized 18–49 demo is tiny for hosts like Jimmy Kimmel.
- John Podhoretz argues networks avoid provocative hosts despite potential larger audiences because of affiliate and advertiser risk.
Popularity vs. Controversy Tradeoff
- John Podhoretz uses Joe Rogan as a thought experiment to show networks won't hire wildly controversial hosts despite their huge audiences.
- Networks prioritize avoiding controversy and regulatory risk over chasing raw audience numbers.
Kimmel As A Boutique Legacy Host
- Christine Rosen likens Kimmel to a boutique, legacy figure serving a small loyal bubble while most viewers move to direct or alternative platforms.
- She suggests defenders mix free-speech and talent arguments that matter differently for the future of entertainment.
