July 2025: ‘Late Show’ Ratings Hit Highest Mark in Years

In the competitive landscape of late-night television, July proved to be a pivotal month, with Stephen Colbert emerging as the clear victor. The host of CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert experienced a remarkable surge in viewership, while Jimmy Kimmel’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! saw a significant drop, following a month of NBA-driven ratings success.

At 11:35 PM, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert averaged an impressive 2.999 million viewers across its first 11 episodes in July, marking a 29% increase from June. This surge represents the highest monthly audience for Colbert since February 2021, a notable achievement considering the ongoing challenges in attracting viewers to late-night programming. Notably, Colbert’s ratings soared following the announcement on July 17 that CBS would be canceling The Late Show after the upcoming 2025-26 season. This news seems to have galvanized his audience, leading to increased interest and viewership.

In stark contrast, Jimmy Kimmel Live! faced a dramatic downturn, plummeting 30% to just 1.236 million viewers. This decline comes on the heels of a strong June performance, buoyed by high-profile segments during the NBA Finals. However, with Kimmel on vacation for the month and guest hosts taking the reins, the program struggled to maintain its momentum. The absence of Kimmel, who typically brings his unique flair and comedic style, may have contributed to the steep drop in ratings.

Meanwhile, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC maintained a stable audience, holding steady at 1.135 million viewers. Fallon’s capacity to retain his viewer base amidst the fluctuations of his competitors speaks to his consistent appeal and the strength of his show’s format. While not experiencing significant growth, his stability reflects a loyal audience that continues to tune in regularly.

Among the coveted 18-49 age demographic, Colbert again led the pack with a staggering 44% increase, bringing his total to 279,000 viewers in this key group. Fallon also saw a modest rise of 9%, reaching 163,000 viewers, while Kimmel’s viewership among this demographic plummeted 47% to just 151,000, marking the lowest ratings for the ABC show in nearly a year. This sharp decline highlights a potential shift in viewer preferences, particularly among younger audiences who are increasingly selective about their late-night options.

The Daily Show on Comedy Central saw minimal change, with a slight 1% decrease in total viewership, settling at 1.025 million viewers. However, it did experience a 3% drop in the 18-49 demographic, resulting in 210,000 viewers. This suggests that while the show remains a staple in the late-night lineup, it faces challenges in attracting younger viewers.

At 12:37 AM, Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC remained steady with 889,000 total viewers, while also seeing an 8% increase in the 18-49 demographic, reaching 109,000 viewers. Meyers’ consistent delivery of sharp political commentary and engaging interviews appears to resonate well with his audience.

Conversely, ABC’s Nightline experienced a 16% drop in total viewers, averaging 715,000, and a staggering 32% decrease in the 18-49 demographic, down to 90,000 viewers. This decline underscores the ongoing challenges faced by news-oriented programming in the late-night slot.

At 10 PM, Gutfeld! on Fox News continued to dominate, averaging 3.212 million viewers, although this figure represented a 4% decrease from previous months. The show also attracted 231,000 viewers in the 18-49 demographic, down 11%. Despite the drop, Gutfeld! remains a formidable player in the late-night arena, leveraging its unique blend of humor and political commentary to engage a dedicated audience.

Watch What Happens Live on Bravo experienced a positive uptick, with an 8% increase in total viewers, reaching 325,000, and a 3% rise in the 18-49 demographic, totaling 72,000 viewers. This growth indicates a strong interest in interactive and celebrity-driven content, highlighting a successful strategy for Bravo’s late-night offering.

As the late-night television landscape continues to evolve, Stephen Colbert’s impressive resurgence in July sets the stage for an intriguing battle ahead. With shifting viewer preferences and the impact of host dynamics playing crucial roles, the coming months will be critical for Kimmel, Fallon, and their contemporaries as they seek to reclaim lost ground and attract new audiences. The late-night arena remains a vibrant and competitive space, where ratings can shift dramatically based on a variety of factors, from guest appearances to current events. The ongoing developments promise to keep viewers engaged and eager for more entertainment.