1.7 Million Viewers Cancel Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN after Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Over a six-day period in September, more than 1.7 million paid subscribers of Disney’s streaming apps, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, decided to cancel their memberships following ABC’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. This data was reported by The Handbasket newsletter, reflecting a significant 436% increase above the baseline subscriber churn.
The decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel from his show sparked outrage and led to calls for a boycott against Disney. Many social media users shared screenshots of their subscription cancellations after Disney’s move to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from the airwaves. This decision came after Kimmel’s controversial comments regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Following the suspension, major ABC affiliate owners, Sinclair and Nexstar, stated that they would not air the show, and the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, hinted at potential actions against Disney. This move prompted backlash from Hollywood creatives, labor unions, and media representatives, who criticized it as a form of government-imposed censorship.
After negotiations, Disney eventually reached an agreement to put Jimmy Kimmel back on the air. The show initially faced pre-emption from Sinclair and Nexstar, leading to almost a quarter of the country being unable to watch it on its return. Despite initially high ratings, the viewership for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” saw a significant drop in the days following its comeback, with a 64% decrease in total viewers and plummeting numbers in key demographics like adults aged 25-54 and 18-49.
Overall, the situation surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and subsequent return has stirred up controversy and affected viewership numbers for Disney’s streaming platforms, signaling a tumultuous period in the entertainment industry.
