ABC is reportedly considering taking “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air following a recent episode featuring Robert De Niro, which resulted in a dramatic decline in viewership. The unexpected outcome has left network executives scrambling to reassess the future of the once-popular late-night show.

The episode in question featured an interview with legendary actor Robert De Niro, known for his strong political opinions and sharp criticism of former President Donald Trump. The network had high hopes for the episode, expecting De Niro’s star power to draw in a large audience. Instead, it had the opposite effect, leading to one of the lowest-rated episodes in the show’s history.

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has been a staple of late-night television since its debut in 2003. Known for its mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and musical performances, the show has maintained a loyal following over the years. However, recent ratings have indicated a steady decline, and the De Niro episode was a significant blow.

Many viewers expressed their dissatisfaction with the episode on social media, citing a variety of reasons for their discontent. Some felt that De Niro’s political commentary overshadowed the entertainment value of the show. Others were disappointed by what they perceived as a lack of balance and diversity in the topics discussed.

“I used to watch ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ for the laughs and the lighthearted interviews,” one viewer commented on Twitter. “Now it’s just become another platform for Hollywood elites to push their agendas.”

Another viewer echoed these sentiments, saying, “I miss the days when late-night shows were about having fun and making people laugh. The De Niro episode was just too much politics and not enough entertainment.”

The unexpected outcome of the De Niro episode has put ABC in a difficult position. The network must now decide whether to continue with “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” or to cancel the show altogether. Executives are reportedly weighing several factors, including the show’s overall ratings decline, viewer feedback, and the broader landscape of late-night television.

One insider revealed, “The network is seriously considering all options. The De Niro episode was a wake-up call, and we have to think about the future of the show and whether it still fits into our programming strategy.”

The decline of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” comes at a time when the late-night television landscape is undergoing significant changes. With the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, traditional late-night shows are facing increased competition. Viewers now have more options than ever, and many are turning to alternative platforms for their entertainment needs.

Additionally, the political climate has led to a shift in viewer preferences. While some audiences appreciate political commentary and satire, others are seeking a break from the constant barrage of news and opinions. This shift has created a challenging environment for late-night hosts who must strike a balance between staying relevant and maintaining their entertainment value.

Jimmy Kimmel himself has not publicly commented on the potential cancellation of his show. However, those close to the host say that he is aware of the challenges facing late-night television and is committed to adapting to the changing landscape.

“Kimmel is a professional and he understands the business,” one source said. “He’s always been willing to evolve and try new things, so if the show continues, you can expect to see some changes.”

The most drastic option would be to cancel the show altogether. This would allow the network to explore new programming opportunities and potentially fill the late-night slot with a different type of show that might resonate more with current viewer preferences.

Another option is to reformat the show, making changes to its structure, content, and tone. This could involve reducing the political commentary and focusing more on entertainment and comedy, as well as incorporating new segments and features to attract a broader audience.

The network might also consider putting the show on a temporary hiatus to give Kimmel and his team time to rethink their approach and make necessary adjustments. This could be a way to address the issues without making a permanent decision about the show’s future.