Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ Ratings Revealed After Cancellation — Did He Beat Fallon & Kimmel?
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert continues to see a ratings surge following the news last month that CBS and Paramount had canceled the long-running late-night talk show.
According to LateNighter, citing Nielsen Live+3 data, The Late Show averaged 3.016 million viewers for the week of July 28, accounting for a 12.51 per cent audience share. This was down ever so slightly on the previous week (-1.4%); however, the week of July 21 set a record as the Late Show‘s highest weekly share since Colbert took over in 2015.
Other than the week prior, the week of July 28 marked Colbert’s strongest ratings in over two years. In addition to its 3.016 million viewers, The Late Show amassed 304,000 in the key Adults 18-49 demo, up +2.7% on the week before.
In the same 11:35 pm timeslot, NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon averaged 1.33 million viewers (down -3.6% on the week prior) and 181,000 in the key demo (up a huge 12.4%). Meanwhile, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! (which aired five repeats), averaged 798,000 total viewers (down -26%) and 120,000 in the demo (down -0.83).
Colbert broke the shocking news to viewers that CBS had canceled The Late Show on July 17, with its final episode set to air in May 2026. CBS cited financial reasons; however, others have speculated that the decision was made due to Colbert’s criticism of Paramount’s recent settlement with President Donald Trump.
Despite Colbert’s recent ratings surge, Fox News’ Gutfeld! maintained the top spot across late night for the week of July 28. The 10 pm cable talk show hosted by Greg Gutfeld averaged 3.16 million total viewers (down -2.7% on the week prior) and 238,000 in the 18-49 demo (up 16%).
Elsewhere, NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers continued to lead the 12:37 am slot with an average of 921,000 viewers (up 8%) and 131,000 in the key demo (up 35%), beating out repeats of After Midnight on CBS and Nightline on ABC.
On Comedy Central at 11 pm, The Daily Show, which saw regular host Desi Lydic back at the desk following Josh Johnson’s hosting debut week, averaged 921,000 viewers (down -6.9%) and 186,000 in the demo (down -22%).
Conversation8 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
O
I will never understand how a show airing in prime time, 95 minutes earlier than it's competitors, is compared with late night shows, not other primetime shows.
Also, since advertisers basically only care about the demo, where Colbert crushed Gutfeld, it's hard to say he really won, even though he does have an advantage by airing so much earlier.
6 1
-
R
There should be a metric for viewers who've fallen asleep in their BarcaLounger while watching Gutfeld. He'd CCCRUSH that demo...
3 2
-
G
There should be a metric for people who think snarky cliches are worth a damn.
2 2
-
-
G
Gutfeld is most definitely not late night. But his 3am show always got higher ratings than CNN's 8pm show.
2
-
-
O
I love the Gutfeld show so funny!!
9 5
-
A
I'm guessing Colbert's ratings will rise as it gets closer to his final show in May.
5 3
-
G
They're just watching and waiting for him to say something extremely stupid that might get him in jail.
1 2
-
R
Funny how that has never happened isn't it
3
-
-
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services