“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Returns to Brooklyn With 2.2 Million Viewers — Up 35% From Its Last Visit

After a triumphant return to late-night television, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” packed its bags and headed east for a special Brooklyn-themed week — and once again dominated the late-night ratings. Airing from September 29, the show drew impressive viewership and continued to outperform rivals in both total audience and the key 18–49 demographic.

Strong Ratings: 2.2 Million Viewers and Growth Across the Board

According to data from ABC, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” averaged 2.2 million viewers and scored a 0.22 rating among adults 18–49 during its Brooklyn Week. These numbers placed it ahead of competing shows in the same time slot: “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (1.96 million, 0.13 demo) and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (1.09 million, 0.09 demo).

Compared to the show’s last Brooklyn stint in 2022 — which averaged 1.63 million viewers — the 2025 Brooklyn episodes saw a 35% increase in total viewers. Even more impressively, viewership was up 42% compared to the show’s 2024–2025 season average, and the 18–49 rating surged 57% (up from a season average of 0.14).

A Homecoming of Sorts: Brooklyn Week Returns for the Seventh Time

This marks the seventh time since its 2003 debut that “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has broadcast from Brooklyn — a now-beloved tradition that brings a distinctly East Coast flavor to the Los Angeles-based show. Once again, tapings were held at the iconic Howard Gilman Opera House at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), where a week of sold-out audiences and high-profile guests brought energy and excitement to the late-night landscape.

The Brooklyn Week format has become a fan favorite, not only refreshing the show’s atmosphere but also showcasing New York’s unique spirit through its guests, musical acts, and cultural references.

Star-Studded Lineup and High-Energy Performances

The week kicked off with a bang on Monday, September 29, featuring actor Ryan Reynolds, comedian Josh Johnson, and legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy as musical guests. The episode was the highest-rated of the week, drawing 2.86 million viewers and a strong 0.47 rating in the 18–49 demographic — the show’s best performance since its massive return a week prior.

Throughout the week, Kimmel welcomed a dynamic mix of A-list celebrities, comedians, and musicians:

• Tuesday featured fellow late-night host Stephen Colbert, actor Kumail Nanjiani, and singer Reneé Rapp.

• On Wednesday, guests included Emily Blunt, “The Bear” actor Ebon Moss-Bachrach, indie rock band Geese, and rapper Big Daddy Kane, who joined house band Cleto and the Cletones.

• Thursday offered a memorable lineup with Jeremy Allen White, rock legend Bruce Springsteen, band Living Colour, and keyboardist Ivan Neville performing alongside Cleto and the Cletones.

• The week wrapped up on Friday with Hollywood icon Tom Hanks and acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, delivering a thoughtful and entertaining finale to a week of standout episodes.

Each night delivered a curated mix of comedy, music, and cultural commentary that exemplified why “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” remains a powerhouse in the crowded world of late-night television.

Massive Digital Reach: 34 Million Views on YouTube

Beyond linear TV, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” also made a major splash online. According to ABC, Brooklyn Week 2025 content has already amassed more than 34.1 million views on the show’s official YouTube channel, showcasing the show’s continued relevance and cross-platform appeal — especially among younger, digital-native audiences.

Clips from the week, including celebrity interviews, musical performances, and viral comedy segments, quickly gained traction across social media platforms, further extending the show’s reach beyond the television screen.

Coming Off a Historic Return

It’s worth noting that Brooklyn Week followed a particularly high-profile return for Kimmel. Just a week earlier, on September 23, the show came back from a brief hiatus — triggered by Kimmel’s temporary suspension by Disney/ABC — with a record-breaking episode. That night drew 6.3 million viewers, marking the most-watched regular episode in the show’s history, and earned a 0.87 demo rating — the highest for a regularly scheduled episode since 2015.

While viewership during Brooklyn Week didn’t match that historic peak, the consistent ratings and online engagement demonstrate a renewed momentum for the long-running late-night staple.

Conclusion: A Clear Victory for Jimmy Kimmel and ABC

With growing ratings, a stellar guest lineup, and a powerful digital footprint, Brooklyn Week 2025 stands as a clear win for “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” — both creatively and commercially. The numbers speak volumes: higher-than-average viewership, leading performance in the key demographic, and tens of millions of YouTube views prove that the show remains at the top of its game.

Whether broadcasting from Los Angeles or Brooklyn, Kimmel continues to deliver a sharp, relevant, and wildly entertaining take on pop culture, politics, and celebrity. After over two decades on the air, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has not only stood the test of time — it’s still evolving, thriving, and connecting with audiences on every platform.