Colbert Dominates Late Night Ratings Amidst Cancellation Buzz

The final months of the 2025 TV season may represent the last full year of the "Big 3" late night shows, with The Late Show’s cancellation leaving a significant void on CBS. Amidst considerable buzz, Stephen Colbert's program secured the most viewers in the third quarter of 2025, potentially boosted by the cancellation news. This dominance translates to a million-viewer advantage over his closest competitor and double the total viewership of Jimmy Fallon.

While The Late Show leads in overall viewership, its performance in key demographic segments, particularly the 18-49 age group, shows a different picture. CBS's audience tends to skew older, aligning with Colbert's guest choices and political focus. Conversely, Jimmy Kimmel, despite personal and professional challenges, including a suspension and the death of his bandleader, has shown strength in attracting younger viewers in crucial advertising demos.

Jimmy Fallon's program, while a consistent presence, trails behind both Colbert in total viewers and Kimmel in demographic appeal. Adding another layer to the late night landscape, Fox News' Gutfeld! surprisingly surpassed broadcast shows in average total audience, though its demo rating was lower than Kimmel's. The competition remains fierce, with different hosts excelling in various metrics.