Ratings: 2015 Oscars down big versus last year

What happened to the 2015 Academy Awards? That is certainly a question we understand many having, especially after seeing the ratings come in from last night’s show.

The silver lining here is that while they are the lowest preliminary figures in sever years, this still remains an immensely popular show. After all, it drew a huge 10.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic, a 27% share, and over 34 million viewers. This cements its place as one of the most-popular / non-football events of the year, and a big winner for ABC. We figure that the lower number this year versus the 2014 show had to do to a lack of interest in most nominated films (“American Sniper” was the only smash hit nominated), a very predictable field going into the night, and also Neil Patrick Harris being a fairly omnipresent host. There’s not as much interest in seeing someone we already know well host versus someone who does not really take on the job often. That’s why Ellen DeGeneres’ return to the show last year was so great, and she has actually been probably the best emcee since Chris Rock, who was great but never returned.

The Oscars will probably not against their next choice of host until late this year, and it may be even too early still to figure out the best possible candidate. Rock, DeGeneres, and even Julia Louis-Dreyfus were reportedly offered the gig this around, but all declined going back and doing it again. Maybe it’s time to let Jimmy Kimmel have a real shot? We know that he has his popular aftershow, but he is excellent at being funny but also sincere at the same time.

Some other great candidates, at least off the top of our head, would include Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Sarah Silverman, or maybe even another turn with Jon Stewart, who is exiting “The Daily Show” later this year.

Who do you want to see host next year? Share with a comment.