The Golden Globes returned to broadcast television last night, and the show’s 80th annual ceremony brought in just 6.3 million people – the lowest audience ever for the ceremony.
That’s down from the just 6.9 million who tuned in for 2021’s ceremony, which itself was drastically down on the 18.3 million who tuned in for 2020’s ceremony. Last year’s ceremony wasn’t televised following revelations about a lack of diversity and allegations of impropriety within the HFPA.
The advertiser-targeted 18-49 demographic also didn’t turn out, with the show dropping to a 1.1 rating which was down on 2021’s 1.5 rating. It only just beat the competition – namely CBS’ “FBI” series which averaged 6.1 million viewers.
The numbers don’t include any viewing via Peacock or digital platforms, so the final viewership tally will go up. The only Globes-related worse performer was 2008’s ceremony during the writer’s strike when the HFPA held a press conference rather than a ceremony – that pulled in 6 million viewers.
Meanwhile, host Jerrod Carmichael is getting flak for one of his jokes in which he said: “So, we are here, live, from the hotel that killed Whitney Houston, the Beverly Hilton.” Houston was found dead in her room at the hotel in 2012.
Pat Houston, sister-in-law and manager of the late singer’s estate, tells TMZ via a rep on Wednesday: “The Whitney Houston Estate is disappointed in the joke, and felt it was in poor taste.”
Others on social media have responded in support of Carmichael, calling the joke a jab at the venue rather than the late singer.
Source: TV Line
