Now Reading
Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ Got Higher Ratings Than Fallon for the First Times Since 2015

Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’ Got Higher Ratings Than Fallon for the First Times Since 2015

Because politics.

Ever since Jimmy Fallon took over NBC’s The Tonight Show from Jay Leno in 2014, he’s been the nearly untouched king of late night (at least in terms of Nielsen ratings). CBS tried to counter by bringing in Stephen Colbert to replace David Letterman at The Late Show. But aside from Colbert’s opening week, the “competition” hasn’t been what you’d call close.

That changed this week, with Nielsen reporting that Colbert finished tops—including over Fallon—in total viewers for last week. The numbers were still tight, but it represents the first time Colbert has beat out Fallon since September 2015.

Why?

Much like Saturday Night Live‘s newfound success, Nielsen ratings suggest shows focusing on political humor have seen a huge jump since the election in November and presidential administration change last month.

View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top

You’re reading our ad-supported experience

For our premium ad-free experience, including exclusive podcasts, issues and more, subscribe to

Plans start as low as $2.50/mo