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Daily Show Ratings Soar in Early 2026
13 Apr
Summary
- The Daily Show achieved its best young adult ratings in over eight years.
- Linear ratings saw a 52% year-over-year increase in adults 18-49.
- Social media engagement and views surged by 56% and 57% respectively.

In the first quarter of 2026, "The Daily Show" experienced a notable resurgence, achieving its strongest young adult ratings in more than eight years. The program's performance in the 18-49 demographic reached a 0.579 rating, a significant improvement. This surge is attributed to both Jon Stewart's Monday night episodes and the rotating hosts throughout the week.
The show's linear viewership among adults 18-49 has seen a remarkable 52% year-over-year increase. Stewart's individual episodes are up 30%, while the rest of the team's episodes show a 70% increase. The show's quarterly share in this demographic is the highest since late 2015.
Beyond linear television, "The Daily Show" has also dominated social media. Comedy Central reports it as the most-viewed cable program so far in 2026, with a 56% surge in views and a 57% increase in total minutes consumed. The program also boasts the most-watched TV entertainment channel on YouTube.