Jimmy Kimmel Live is beginning the fall television season with a ratings win, emerging as the No. 1 program in late night, according to exclusive industry data.
The ABC program led its competitors during the opening week of the fall premiere cycle.
Its performance gives Kimmel an early advantage as networks compete for viewers returning to scripted programming and familiar talk-show formats.
The result reinforces the show’s position in a crowded late-night field that includes NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show.
The strong start also arrives as broadcasters seek to maintain relevance amid changing viewing habits, streaming competition and shifting audience preferences.
While late-night ratings can fluctuate throughout the season, the early lead provides Jimmy Kimmel Live with momentum heading into the fall schedule.