The late-night TV landscape is a dynamic and ever-evolving arena, and the second quarter of 2026 has brought about some significant shifts and surprises. The end of an era, the rise of new formats, and the enduring appeal of established hosts have all played a role in shaping the ratings. In this article, I'll delve into the key trends, analyze the data, and offer my insights on what it all means for the future of late-night television.
The End of an Era: CBS' Late Show and the Rise of Byron Allen
The departure of Stephen Colbert from CBS' Late Show franchise marked the end of a 30-year era. The show's finale drew a massive audience, with 9.77 million viewers tuning in to bid farewell to Colbert. This surge in viewership can be attributed to the emotional impact of the event, as well as the show's consistent ratings throughout its final weeks. However, the question remains: what comes next for the time slot?
The network's response was to introduce a two-hour time-buy block featuring Byron Allen's Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask. While the shows' averages were based on only one month of episodes, they offer an early benchmark for Allen's arrangement with CBS. The success of these shows will be crucial in determining the future of late-night television on the network.
The Strength of Established Hosts: Colbert and Kimmel
Stephen Colbert's farewell run was a ratings success, with the show averaging 3.49 million viewers and a 29% increase over the first quarter. The finale, in particular, drew a massive audience, with 33.32% of people watching television at the time tuning in. This success can be attributed to Colbert's enduring appeal and the emotional impact of his departure.
Similarly, Jimmy Kimmel's quarter was shaped by an unusually strong June. With less direct competition and major boosts from ABC's NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final coverage, Kimmel's show averaged 2.73 million viewers and a 25% increase in the demo. The show's success can be attributed to its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalize on unique opportunities.
The Rise of New Formats: Fox's World Cup-Adjacent Show and Beyond
Fox introduced a new entry with FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden, a temporary midnight show tied to the network's World Cup coverage. The program, which marked Corden's return to late-night TV, averaged 632,000 total viewers and 201,000 adults 18–49 across 13 first-run episodes. The show's success can be attributed to its unique format and the network's commitment to innovative programming.
The Enduring Appeal of Late Night: Seth Meyers and Nightline
NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers and ABC's Nightline both improved in both measures, with Meyers averaging 974,000 viewers and Nightline averaging 982,000. The shows' success can be attributed to their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain a strong connection with their audiences.
Year-Over-Year Comparisons: Growth and Decline
Looking only at shows with apples-to-apples comparisons from Q2 2025, the total audience across LateNighter's tracked programs grew 17% among total viewers and 23% among adults 18–49 year-over-year. Five of the eight returning programs posted gains in both measures, with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live! posting the largest total-viewer gains.
However, not all shows performed well. Watch What Happens Live fell 13% in total viewers and 15% in the demo, while Gutfeld! was down 9% and 10%, respectively. These declines can be attributed to a variety of factors, including changing viewer preferences and the impact of competition.
The Future of Late Night: Adapting to Change and Embracing Innovation
The late-night TV landscape is constantly evolving, and the second quarter of 2026 has brought about some significant shifts and surprises. The end of an era, the rise of new formats, and the enduring appeal of established hosts have all played a role in shaping the ratings. As we look to the future, it's clear that late-night television will continue to adapt to change and embrace innovation. The success of established hosts and the rise of new formats will be crucial in determining the future of late-night television, and the industry will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the changing needs and preferences of viewers.
