The ratings of the CBS late show has accelerated since Colbert has been openly critical of the new president Donald Trump particularly since last November’s election.
- Feb 8, 2017
AceShowbiz - "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" is finally labeled as the most watched show in late night category. The Stephen Colbert-hosted show has topped "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in total viewers for the first time since Colbert took over the program in September 2015.
According to Nielsen data released on February 7, Colbert's show attracted 2.77 million viewers, edging Jimmy Fallon's show, which garnered an average of 2.76 million viewers. However, in the 18-49 demo, Fallon still held on to the lead with 0.67 ratings to Colbert's 0.48 ratings.
The ratings of "The Late Show" has accelerated since Colbert has taken on a political charge during the recent months. He has been openly critical of the new president Donald Trump, particularly since last November’s election. Colbert has disputed the president’s voter fraud claims and he recently mocked the feud between Trump and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Over the past week, Jon Stewart joined Colbert to joke about Trump's coming executive orders. Colbert then laid into Kellyanne Conway’s "Bowling Green Massacre" flub. He’s also had some strong non-partisan moments, such as debating the existence of God with Ricky Gervais.
"Colbert has been experiencing a bit of a surge as of late and he likely has President Trump to thank for that," said Billie Gold, vice president and director of program research at Amplifi in a statement. Comparing Colbert's "Late Show" to Fallon's "Tonight Show", he said, "Colbert is a political satirist at his core and he's been taking on his popular Comedy Central persona in a big way this past few weeks. While Fallon will likely take the reign back in future weeks, in this politically charged climate, Colbert's numbers will definitely be recharged."
