New Nielsen data show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recording its weakest January performance on record among adults ages 25–54, underscoring continued audience erosion during the program’s final months.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ratings for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert fell to historic lows in January within the critical 25–54 age demographic, according to Nielsen data cited in recent industry reporting, highlighting a continued decline in viewership as the program approaches its scheduled conclusion.
According to Nielsen figures referenced in a recent industry analysis, the program is averaging roughly 285,000 viewers among adults ages 25–54, placing it on track for its worst January performance ever in the demographic most closely tied to advertising revenue. The report noted that this trend has persisted despite the show entering its final stretch before its planned May end date.
The 25–54 age group is the primary benchmark used by advertisers to set rates, and the sustained decline helps explain reports that the program has been operating at an estimated annual loss of $40 million. Recent ratings indicate that the show has not experienced a late-stage rebound as it winds down production.
The ratings slide comes amid increased political commentary on the program. During a recent broadcast, shortly after thanking audience members for waiting in cold weather, host Stephen Colbert looked into the camera and said, “I think we can all agree, fuck ICE!” The remark drew applause from the studio audience and was later circulated online through a video clip of the segment.
Broader viewership data from 2025 show that Colbert averaged approximately 2.545 million viewers per episode over the course of the year. More recent weekly data show the program averaging 2.249 million viewers last week.
While that total exceeded the most recent weekly averages for Jimmy Kimmel, at roughly 2.1 million viewers, and Jimmy Fallon, at about 1.25 million, it trailed behind Fox News’ Gutfeld!, which drew approximately 3.2 million viewers over the same period. Gutfeld! airs exclusively on cable, while The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is broadcast on a major network available to most U.S. households without a cable subscription.
Despite that broader distribution, January ratings data show Colbert’s audience continuing to decline, particularly within the demographic most important to advertisers. The latest figures place the program’s current performance among the weakest in its history, marking a notable shift from earlier years when the show regularly led late-night competitors in key ratings categories.