ABC’s “Nightline” averaged more total and 25-54 viewers than CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” in the just completed second quarter of 2010. That hasn’t happened in a Q2 in 10 years.
“Nightline,” which was also #2 in 18-49, had its largest Q2 total viewer average in six years and best 25-54 average in four. “Nightline” was also up compared to last year in total viewers and the demos, while the late-night comedy programs were both down in all categories.
Jay Leno’s return this spring helped propel NBC’s “Tonight” show back into the top spot among the late-night programs in total viewers and the demos. But meanwhile, “Tonight” had its lowest Q2 audiences averages for total viewers and A25-54 going back as far as at least 1992, which is the year Leno started, and “The Late Show” had its lowest Q2 total viewer average since 1993.
Note: ABC ratings are based on 30-minute broadcast, while CBS and NBC are based on one hour.
| Show | Network | Total Viewers | A25-54 | A18-49 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight Show | NBC | 4.03M | 1.71M | 1.39M |
| Nightline | ABC | 3.70M | 1.59M | 1.30M |
| Late Show | CBS | 3.28M | 1.47M | 1.13M |
Ratings for last week after the jump…
| Show | Network | Total Viewers | A25-54 | A18-49 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tonight Show | NBC | 3.83M | 1.59M | 1.28M |
| Nightline | ABC | 3.49M | 1.42M | 1.09M |
| Late Show | CBS | 3.13M | 1.34M | 1.08M |