Airing the night after Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Academy Awards to strong reviews, Monday’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” enjoyed a strong night in the ratings.
Citing metered market data, ABC says its late-night show drew a 2.6 overnight household rating. It posted a 0.8 adults 18-49 in the 25 markets with local people meters.
The numbers represent four- and eight-month highs, respectively.
They also gave “Kimmel” the edge over timeslot rivals “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (2.5 in households, 0.6 in the demo) and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (2.2 in households, 0.7 in the demo).
Expanding on the performance, ABC notes that Monday’s episode was the #1 late-night show in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas.
The 6.4 overnight household rating it drew in the Chicago market actually represents a series high. While the appearance was ultimately canceled, the word early Monday was that Oscars tourists Gary Cole (“Gary From Chicago”) and Vicki Mines would be appearing on the show.
The episode’s official interview guests included Mahershala Ali and Mike Birbiglia. Lady Antebellum and Bell Biv Devoe also performed as part of Mash-Up Monday.
