Thousands switch off RTÉ Late Late Show after controversial Patrick Kielty comments

61,000 people switched off the RTÉ Late Late Show last Friday night as Patrick Kielty made what could be deemed by some as controversial comments.

The latest figures from RTÉ showed an average audience of 374,000 people across Ireland tuning in for the show on Septembers 19, compared to 435,000 the previous week.

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In his opening monologue, Patrick Kielty spoke about US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel's show being pulled from the air over his comments on  the fatal shooting of polarizing figure Charlie Kirk, in which he said, "The Maga gang are desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them."

Kielty responded to the move by showing his support for his fellow talk show host saying he had a "special message of support" for Kimmel.

In his opening speech, Kielty said,

"Hi Jimmy, it's Patrick Kielty saying a big hello from Studio 4 of RTÉ here in Dublin, Ireland, home to the Late Late Show for over 60 years. Now, during that time there have of course been many in power who wanted our show off air and yet our bosses have never considered shutting us down. 

"Tonight, we're extending the hand of free speech and friendship to let you know that you're always welcome here. So, if you ever need a studio or a desk or an audience or a band, we're here for you. And most importantly of all, Jimmy, this is Ireland so we can promise that you can say whatever the f**k you want."

Before we went live with tonight’s #latelate, @PatricKielty recorded a special message of support for fellow chat show host @jimmykimmel ☘️ pic.twitter.com/8SrAYgF87z

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) September 19, 2025

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The video received a lot of praise online, with many in the comments applauding Kielty for the message. Figures from RTÉ showed that Kielty's speech garnered a massive 3.51m video views across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

However, many have criticised the message and defended the talk show host being removed from the air for his comments, saying it was a "tone deaf opening."

There was also a drop in the number of streams on the RTÉ player with just 49,300 streams played back compared to 72,000 streams the week before.

Guests on the show could have also contributed to the drop in audience figures.

For it's first show back after the summer break on September 12, which saw 435,000 viewers tuning in, the Late Late Show managed to nab Hollywood A-listers Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell who were promoting their new movie A big Bold Beautiful World.

Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley also joined Kielty on the couch along with former president of Ireland Mary Robinson.

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On September 19, 374,000 viewers tuned in to see guests that included the nation's favourite reality star Paudie Moloney from the Traitors, comedian Aisling Bea and author Marian Keyes, who have both appeared on the show at least four times in the past, and the parents of Harvey Morrison Sharratt.

The Late Late Show also attracted huge numbers through their social channels with the first two episodes of the season generating 14.79m video views and over 870,000 engagements.