‘CBS Evening News’ Ratings Disaster: Tony Dokoupil Hits Rock Bottom
What To Know
- CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil has seen ratings drop below 4 million viewers for the third consecutive week.
- Industry executives have expressed serious concerns about the show’s future.
- ABC World News Tonight leads with strong year-over-year gains, while NBC Nightly News maintains second place.
The latest evening news ratings are in, and it’s not looking good for CBS Evening News, which has now finished below 4 million viewers for the third week in a row.
According to AdWeek, citing national live+same-day big data plus program ratings from Nielsen, the Tony Dokoupil fronted broadcast averaged 3.771 million total viewers and 467,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic for the week of April 20. This was down 1 percent in total viewers and down 3 percent in the demo compared to the week prior.
The show was also down on the same period last year, when John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois helmed the program. CBS Evening News fell by 2 percent in total viewers and by 12 percent in the key demo. Dokoupil took over as anchor on January 5 after he was promoted from CBS Mornings by CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Overall, CBS Evening News marked its second-lowest-rated April this century, and its lowest 25-54 demo rating ever.
According to Oliver Darcy’s Status newsletter, veteran television executives have raised concerns about the future of CBS Evening News. “This isn’t what a turnaround looks like. This is what a train wreck looks like,” one executive told the outlet.
Another said that Weiss’ “decisions have turned off even more of their shrinking audience. These declines are part of a larger and deeper crisis at CBS News.”
Elsewhere, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir remained at the top, averaging 8.537 million total viewers and 1.56 million demo viewers for the week of April 20. This was up 4 percent in total viewers and up 5 percent in the demo compared to the week before. The show was also up 15 percent in total viewers and up 1 percent in the demo compared to 2025.
NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas held onto the No. 2 spot, averaging 6.168 million total viewers and 831,000 demo viewers, for the week of April 20. Compared to the week prior, the show was down 4 percent in total viewers and down 12 percent in the demo. However, compared to the same week in 2025, Nightly News was up by 8 percent in both measured categories.
CBS Evening News, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, CBS
NBC Nightly News, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, NBC
ABC World News Tonight, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, ABC
Conversation83 Comments
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C
There is no doubt that Tony will take the fall for the falling numbers! The guy is likable enough to- but my wife and I quit watching because of Bari Weiss!
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G
Don't punish Tony for Barry. Can't you still like people even when you don't agree?
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T
It is not about the new anchor, it is about CBS's new leader who plays political favorites and has taken the ner work clearly in right leaning direction. Wake up!
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B
it hasn't shifted right though. i actually watch it. he grills trump admin people to the point where he's asking someone in one position about how they'd do things in another position/department, so they can't actually answer any of that.
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R
I saw his interview with Trump. Didn’t ask any hard questions and he could have had some hard follow up questions regarding responses from Trump and skimmed right over it like he was afraid of Trump. It’s a journalist job that’s part of checks and balances. Just because Trump doesn’t like it doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.
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S
I used to be a CBS loyal watcher.
From CBS morning all day including Saturday morning.
With the new management decision I no longer watch CBS.
Very disappointed in the direction of management.
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B
Until recently, CBS evening News was a must watch nightly for 30 years for a clear and professional reading of the news. Before work I watched CBS mornings. About 6 months ago Tony D frequently started injecting right wing alternate reality viewpoints that seemed odd. He was positioning. Trump hated CBS and any media (or law enforcement) that holds him accountable. I hope the Ellison family bought CBS from the bargain bin. They deserve what's coming as does anyone at the network that didn't speak truth to power.
Norah O'Donnell is brilliant and popular enough to do exactly that as she did Sunday night with the orange felon.
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M
The Ellison's wanted Warner Bros. and HBO. CBS was part of the same deal and will cost them money. I doubt they care very much about the news division.
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R
Totally agree!! my husband and I watched it for 30 years as well but when Barri Weiss started cutting stories from 60 minutes that were critical of the Trump administration and firing people and people started quitting because of the work environment that was enough for my husband and I had to stop watching it.
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K
We were diehard viewers of CBS News for a long time and watched the morning show for over a decade. We’d still be watching but the obvious changes from Weiss and others were too much. We sadly stopped watching any CBS News content. Go back to Tiffany network quality of old and we’d return.
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A
I will only watch CBS for “Let’s Make A Deal” and “The Price Is Right!” Also, for some of the local news until it gets political, then I switch!
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J
They have become a subsidiary of Fox News which according to their legal department is not news but infotainment.
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R
Well I use to watch cbs nightly news but since cbs was bought out by that father & son you can’t believe what they are reporting if their told what they can report about or not because they are friends of Trump. And it’s not Tony’s fault. So I can’t trust them now.
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B
it hasn't really shifted to the right if you actually just watch
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B
That’s what you get when you tie yourself to being dishonest and follow Fox News..
We need to see honesty .
Not have Tony say things like Trump and the Vice President are the best…
Sad of the past owner and leadership..
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H
It’s not Tony, it’s Bari Weiss
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B
When the news reporting becomes political, I turn it off. No more CBS news for us. We haven’t seen in years, in years.
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D
The Ellisons made a poor decision in hiring Weiss. Telling staff it’s my way or you can leave is not from the school of management that I know of. But more importantly, taking calls from Steven Miller who doesn’t like immigrants. CBS News was the Gold Standard of reporting: Walter Cronkite, Murrow, Wallace, Schieffer, Safer, Rather, Stahl, Chung…
Very sad. But this is what happens when corporations take over. Money is important; the truth is not.
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B
We switched to NBC from CBS. To many changes at CBS with quality talent leaving. Don't trust that CBS news isn't now biased to the right.
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D
CBS News once THE best of the mainstream news media, now literally the worst since being bought by the Ellison’s and being run by a wanna be fake journalist who is a hack for Trump.
A real loss to America’s news broadcasting industry.
It’s Unbelievable.
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T
My husband and I quit watching because of Bari Weiss.
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A
Don't blame the ratings on Dokoupil. He's a scapegoat. They (maga) thought if he was liked & good looking, that it would sidetrack everyone from what was really going on... The placement of a propagandist regime of inexperienced, no talent, mouth piece puppet! (Notice how titles are changing from director/secretary to czar?!) Im still waiting for the botox lip & hair makeover of all Trumps women pawns (get with the program Bari). This is the Magician Asst Grand Act of watch what Im doing here (cbs & war) so you forget about what's going on over here (weinstein, inflation etc.) Did he really commit suicide?! Are nazi racists, witch doctors & false prophets rising to power?! 🤨
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S
Barb Weiss needs to go. It seems like Tony is just there to read. He gave more when he was on morning show. To bad the network is only going Trump
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J
Not watching because of Bari Weiss
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K
It has changed. It's mostly in the stories they choose to report on. It's a subtle change.
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M
CBS is limiting freedom of speech. No, I can't like them for that reason.
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T
I think all of the comments here are coming from the Democratic people. Have you also ever watched Margret Brennon interview a Republican with a question and during his or her answer interrupt them with another question and another question before the person can answer the first question. If she is interviewing a Democrat she doesn't interrupt them hardly at all. After the change with Weiss the fairness of both parties came to light only the Democrats started to become angry with fairness in reporting.
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H
CBS is no longer worth watching. Once Colbert leaves there's nothing there.
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G
Well, that's what's going to happen when "you" put an anti-American tool, in charge of your news.
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L
It’s not Tony, it’s nobody is going to watch anything on this channel anymore because of Trump affiliated!!
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L
It’s not Tony. It’s management. Turn the mirror around
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S
Also, Tony said he was going to report for the people, I just don't understand how Trump can call anyone names and it's ok. The world leaders are tired of him trying to be God, it's his way or highway. People from all over the world have lost trust in our country and leadership.
CBS is not letting Tony report the real news not what Barb
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A
I stopped watching CBS news when the first night Tony did the news report and had Mark Rubio on telling everyone how wonderful he is because that is what Weiss wanted. That was crap I am done with CBS.
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B
I too am a diehard viewer of CBS News and continue to watch only because I have been following for a long time, at least for 15 years and I am very comfortable with their overall news team. Tony was good for CBS Morning but I feel it doesn't quite have what it takes to carry this now. Unfortunately it is pretty evident that CBS is afraid to rock the boat with anything negative about the Trump administration
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D
When it was announced that Tony Dokoupil was talking over CBS Nightly News I was hesitant to even give him a chance due to the new leadership at CBS but I thought he deserved the benefit of my doubt. I actually like how he presents the news. He is fresh and authentic and his demeanor is that of someone who cares about the news and the people. I enjoy watching him every night and when the news is over I have a smile on my face. It is a shame that someone has to take the fall for someone else who is disliked. To me he is a breath of fresh air!! Thank you Tony and keep up the great work
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R
I used to watch David Muir until I heard that Tony was taking over CBS evening news. Tony is very good, it is sad.
I stopped watching CBS Mornings when Tony was promoted.
I refuse to watch Mornings. I absolutely cannot stomach Vladimir Duthiers. 🤮
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K
Simply put, CBS is backing the wrong horse.
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D
Another consideration is that there is an existing contract dispute between CBS and Dish Network. As a result, Dish Network been carrying CBS programming.
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D
I think Tony does a great job. If there's a problem its the network. Regardless of if your for Trump or not, the News is News.
By the way, ALL NEWS GAS OPINION, PEOPLE ARE HUMAN.
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K
If you scream it loud enough then they will hear you bob dole lol
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T
I preferred John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois. They are more professional.
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R
I made the switch to PBS news hour
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R
Younger CBS execs
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P
Poor Walter. Screaming in rage, weeping for what Bari, Tony, and the spineless BoD at the Blinded Eye have done. Destroyed the legacy, believability, and faith people had put into the network.
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G
Yeah, blame it on the guy at bottom of the totem pole.
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C
He’s a sellout! He trashed his career with any respectable news source (not even a handful left). He’s spewing Fox crap and kissing the fat white poopy stained ass. No integrity at all
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J
I love Tony. He is a great correspondent. He works so hard. I just don’t like the pressure in their ivory towers. Tony is people over profits. The people in the ivory tower are profits over people. Please keep him. Get rid of the people in the ivory tower.
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D
I watch Tony most nights. I think he is doing just fine
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E
My wife and I like Tony! Not everything on the news is sound bites and drama like ABC. We stopped watching ABC’s Evening News for that reason!
I like news with a little soul where I’m not thinking that the world is going to end every night. That’s why, no matter who Barri Weiss is, Tony should stay cause if he goes we’ll stop watching CBS News!
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B
I don't like how ABC words things. NBC always looked cheap to me. That leaves CBS for me. I'm fine getting the first couple stories but then skip the rest. I still kinda watch CBS The Daily Report but that's gone downhill. It feels like junior news hour. You have people like Jake Rosen with his messy hair, unbuttoned shirt that has his chest hair coming out. He stumbles over himself when he's talking about anything but especially about Trump. All the other correspondents are also worthless as well. I usually skip past all those discussions since they don't really go into any details. The host lady isn't great and it's nice when she's out and anyone else is filling in for her.
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A
CBS support of this regime has destroyed any credibility that they had. I love so many of their shows but, every time I think about CBS, all I see is their total SUCKING UP to trump! I rarely watch anything CBS anymore, and when Colbert is done, it will be even less! PLEASE GROW A SPINE AND A CONSCIENCE!
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E
cbs news isn't news anymore
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K
Any new with Bari Weiss, is turned off in our house including 60 minutes.
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V
Seems obvious that Tony is not well liked.
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D
Our local CBS affiliate was owned by Tegna, which recently was acquired by Nextar. Now there’s no reason to watch local or CBS news on that channel.
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C
In a true meritocracy, which Bari claims to want...uh yeah right, train wrecks lead to her getting canned.
But let me guess, if CBS sees their folly and tries it, she'll pull the anti semite card so fast it'll make their heads spin.
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S
CBS succumbing to trump has hurt viewer ship in general, and Ducopol not being balanced with the interview with Tonconi Coates caused alot of disagreement in the African American viewers
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B
I watch CBS soaps and Jane Pauley CBS Sunday Morning.
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S
Bring back Norah O’Donnell and I’ll watch again!
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C
CBS never watched....never will.Establishment news is dying.I will stick with Newsmax
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P
I think Tony should go back to c.b.s, mornings .
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M
Not every story is breaking news that's why I don't watch cbs
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S
can't imagine why ...
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B
Tony is okay but it’s the editor that needs to be removed!
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K
CBS News with Tony is only New I listen to! ——-I really don’t understand Fake survey?
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G
I watch Tony and the evening news every night. Dont care about the #s. If anyone needs to go its Weiss. Dont cut the star player cut the coach. Tony i hope your reading this and appreciate the metaphor
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H
We love CBS but have not been able to watch the news or any of the shows we love for a month because Scripps and Comcast are in a contract dispute. I’m sure this has affected people all over the country, Tony is a fabulous broadcaster, as well as a very sensitive and caring person. We hope he will stay with CBS Nightly News.
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T
I love to watch Tony and the stories about what’s going on in the news and just every day life.
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C
I love, love, love the new CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil. What is wrong with people? Is their hate for Bari or Trump so ingrained that they can't enjoy a really good news broadcast? Tony is doing a spectacular job!!! They give you just the facts. Just the news. And covers everything of news value. Shame. A great show may sadly come to an end. Let's hope and pray it doesn't.
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C
Or is your love for Donald Trump so ingrained that you no longer can see the difference between actual news and self-admitted Fox "infotainment"? CBS is now just another place for MAGA to pick up their "talking points"!
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G
You make Maga sound like a swear word. Do you have a problem with Make America Great Again?
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B
MAGATs are the very definition of foul and abusive language. 8647
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P
#trumpbelongsinhell
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T
Tony is great please allow him some time to make his news show a great source for news. I have watched him since he started on the morning show I love his personality on screen.
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M
Tony has no control over the program. It's Bari's show.
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B
We love his show, but Xfinity has not let us watch CBS in over a month. Can't watch if channel not available. 😭
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G
I'm so sorry he's going through this, I watch CBS News almost every night unless I am busy, it's the only one that I have ever watched.
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L
I would like to see how the ratings of these 3 loser networks compare with NEWSMAXX and Fox News, week by week.
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M
I don't believe Newmax is even in the discussion regarding relevant news outlets.
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T
CBS still has a woke problem by not ridding of people like Odonnel and Pelly. They spend way to much time criticizing Trump and conservatives and not enough time actually reporting the news.
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O
Stop watching FOX LIES
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O
How do you know??
Don't watch it if you don't like it.
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M
But there's just much to criticize.
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