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Colbert Ratings Surge Hits New High
Colbert's Late Show posts close to record numbers as CBS faces cancellation questions and late-night competition intensifies.
An editorial analysis of Stephen Colbert's continued late-night ratings surge as CBS contemplates cancellation.
Colbert's Ratings Surge Continues Beats Fallon and Kimmel Combined
Stephen Colbert's Late Show posted near record numbers for the week of July 28, 2025, according to Nielsen Live+3. The show averaged a 12.51 percent share among total viewers, just 0.12 percentage points below the prior week, which was an all time high since the show's 2015 debut. It drew about 3.016 million viewers per night, more than its two 11 35 pm rivals combined. In the 18 49 demo, Colbert led with the largest audience of any late night program.
The week featured a Thursday interview with Kamala Harris that drew more than 3.2 million viewers, the week’s highest. Across the late night slate, Fox News's Gutfeld led in total viewers at 3.16 million but trailed in 18 49, while Late Night with Seth Meyers gained in the late hour. The Daily Show, hosted by Desi Lydic, settled back to typical levels after Josh Johnson's high water mark the week prior. Complete ratings charts for the week of July 28, 2025 accompany this report.
Key Takeaways
"Colbert proves late night still has real audience pull"
editorial highlight on audience strength
"Harris interview drew a crowd that reshaped the week"
points to the Kamala Harris interview as a ratings driver
"The late night race stays fiercely competitive"
analytical takeaway on the market
These numbers matter because they show Colbert's show still commands a broad audience even as CBS navigates a cancellation. The week highlights how a single high profile interview can lift a program in a crowded time slot. At the same time, the performance underscores the persistent competitiveness of late night TV, where margins are slim and viewer habits shift quickly. The question now is whether this momentum can translate into stability for Colbert and sustained attention from advertisers as CBS charts its next move.
Highlights
- Colbert proves late night still has real audience pull
- Harris interview drew a crowd that reshaped the week
- The late night race stays fiercely competitive
- These numbers demand a closer look at audience loyalty
Political Content Risk
Contains discussion of a political figure and network strategy amid a cancellation announcement, raising potential advertiser sensitivity and public reaction concerns.
A steady pulse for late night keeps questions alive about strategy and survival.
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