Weekly Ratings: Colbert Reclaims 11:35 Lead as Kimmel Holds Steady

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert returned to the top of the 11:35 p.m. ratings race last week, ending Jimmy Kimmel Live’s three-week run at No. 1.

According to Nielsen Live + 3 data for the week of Oct. 12–19, The Late Show averaged 2.46 million total viewers and a 5.38 share among adults 18–49, surging 57% in total viewers and 66% in the demo from its previous week of reruns.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! held steady in second with 2.11 million total viewers and a 5.78 share in 18–49. Though down 8% from the prior week among total viewers, Kimmel grew his audience in the demo by 8% week over week. Compared to his pre-suspension levels in early September, the ABC late-night show is still up 37% among total viewers, and up 65% in the demo.

NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon lagged behind its network rivals, averaging 940,000 viewers and 133,000 adults 18–49, both steep drops (–54% and –60%) as the show aired an all-repeat week. Late Night With Seth Meyers also faced declines from its encore lineup, averaging 665,000 viewers and 101,000 in 18–49 (–52% and –42%).

At 12:37 a.m., ABC News: Nightline remained steady with 959,000 viewers (–3%) and 135,000 in 18–49 (+4%). The Daily Show was dark for the week, with Comedy Central filling its timeslot with alternate programming.

On cable, Fox News’ Gutfeld! drew 3.12 million viewers and 223,000 adults 18–49, up 6% and 11%, respectively. Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live delivered 269,000 viewers and 71,000 in 18–49, down 32% and 28%.

Complete ratings charts for the week of Oct. 12, 2025, follow below.

Note: Time period listed is most common airtime for show

Live+ 3 Ratings — All Viewers (P2+)

Live+ 3 Ratings — In the Demo (P18-49)

Ratings data © The Nielsen Company, used under license.