The Tony Awards once again proved that embracing woke ideology is a surefire way to tank viewership. This year’s ceremony attracted a meager 3.51 million viewers, marking a significant 14 percent decline from last year’s already disappointing numbers. It seems not even the presence of former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton could salvage the ratings disaster.
Clinton graced the stage to promote her feminist play, which has been struggling at the box office. Her appearance included a self-congratulatory speech and a lecture on suffrage and the importance of voting. Clinton proudly touted the play she helped create with Shaina Taub, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. “I have stood on a lot of stages, but this is very special,” she said, clearly basking in the spotlight.
Continuing her address, Clinton extolled the virtues of the woke Broadway production, saying, “I know a little bit about how hard it is to make change so I am extremely proud of this original American musical by Shaina Taub, two-time Tony winner.” She then pivoted to suffrage, emphasizing the long struggle for women’s right to vote and the importance of participating in elections.
Despite Clinton’s star power and the politically charged content, the ratings for this year’s Tony Awards remained abysmally low. This year’s viewership is only slightly better than the record low of 2.6 million in 2021, making it the second-worst in the show’s history. The once-celebrated awards show has been on a steady decline, with fewer people tuning in to watch than those who regularly view classic game shows like “Wheel of Fortune” and “The Price is Right.”
The Wrap offered some explanations for the dismal ratings, citing the show’s unfortunate timing on Father’s Day, which reportedly resulted in the lowest Sunday primetime TV viewing levels in over three decades. Additionally, overall TV usage saw a 10% decrease this year compared to last year, which may have further contributed to the decline.
In 2023, the Tony Awards managed to draw an audience of approximately 4.12 million, still far below its peak years. This year’s broadcast, however, saw a notable drop in the key 18-49 demographic, securing only a 0.41 rating, equating to about 540,000 viewers. This is a decline from last year’s 0.46 rating in the same age bracket.
The sharp decline in ratings raises questions about the future of the Tony Awards. While the show once held a prominent place in American culture, its shift towards politically charged and woke content appears to be alienating a substantial portion of its traditional audience. The focus on progressive themes and figures like Hillary Clinton might resonate with a niche group, but it’s clear that a large swath of potential viewers is tuning out.
As the Tony Awards grapple with plummeting viewership, it’s evident that their current strategy isn’t working. Embracing a more inclusive and less politically charged approach might be the key to revitalizing the show and attracting a broader audience. Until then, it seems the Tonys will continue to struggle in the ratings, overshadowed by less politically divisive entertainment options.