Jimmy Fallon Mocks CNN's Low Ratings, Jokes Biden-Trump Debate Absence of Audience "Explains Why It's on CNN

Jimmy Fallon took a jab at CNN's dwindling audience while discussing the upcoming debate between President Biden and former President Trump, quipping that the lack of a live audience for the event "explains why it's on CNN."

Late-night host Jimmy Fallon poked fun at CNN's dismal ratings while discussing the upcoming debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

During his "Tonight Show" monologue, Fallon announced that Biden and Trump had agreed to participate in two debates, the first of which CNN will host on June 27. The early timing of the debate became fodder for Fallon's jokes about the candidates' advanced ages.

"If we're being honest, an early bird debate feels right for these guys," Fallon remarked.

Fallon's comments about CNN's low viewership came as he discussed Biden's team's demand for several restrictions for the matchup, including a debate inside a televised studio without a live audience.

"Biden and Trump will meet on June 27 on CNN, and one of Biden's debate conditions was not having an audience, so that explains why it's on CNN," Fallon joked to raucous applause from his audience.

According to Nielsen data, Fox News has consistently outperformed CNN and MSNBC in key demographics, such as adults aged 25-54. In April, Fox News averaged 156,000 total day viewers in that age group, compared to 88,000 for CNN and MSNBC.

In addition to the lack of a live audience, Biden's campaign has also demanded other restrictions, including a one-on-one format with no third-party candidates allowed. This request is intended to exclude Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an independent candidate who has made some progress in polls.

Kennedy has been shown to be more effective at attracting Democratic voters than Republican ones, making him a potential threat to Biden.

The Biden campaign has also requested that both candidates' microphones be muted once their allotted speaking time expires. This measure is aimed at promoting adherence to the rules and orderly proceedings.

Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.