Part 5/10:
Jim Kimmel’s recent ratings downturn is stark—after peaking at 4.9 million viewers during a brief resurgence, his average has fallen back to around 1.8 million, a steep decline that can cause introspection and doubt. The loss of a close friend, Cleo Escobido, his long-time bandleader, appears to have deeply affected him. According to reports, Kimmel is facing a period of emotional turmoil, questioning mortality and feeling "crumbling" under the weight of his grief.