Oscars lose viewers under Conan O'Brien's second hosting year

The Oscars faced a noticeable drop in viewers during Conan O'Brien's second year as host, with numbers falling compared to his debut. About 17. 9 million people watched the 98th Academy Awards on ABC or Hulu, marking a 9% decline from his first year. That first year, after the pandemic, saw a big surge with nearly 19. 7 million tuning in. The decline wasn’t just in total viewers—adults aged 18-49 also watched 14% less than the previous year. This dip raises questions about whether hosting styles affect audience interest. O'Brien’s first year featured a film, "Anora, " that won big, possibly pulling in more viewers. But his second year didn’t see the same buzz. Streaming numbers also dropped, showing that fewer people chose to watch online compared to the year before.The Oscars have always aimed to attract a wide audience, but recent trends suggest younger viewers are tuning out. In 2024, the ceremony had its smallest audience ever, with only 17. 9 million watching—a steep fall from past decades. Even with big names like Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix presenting, the show struggled to keep people engaged. Experts say awards shows are facing tough competition from streaming platforms and social media. People can now watch clips, highlights, or even full movies instantly online, making traditional TV broadcasts less appealing. The Oscars might need to adapt if they want to stay relevant.