Colbert’s Ratings Hit New Lows

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has reached its lowest viewership ratings ever as it approaches cancellation.

According to Nielsen data released this week, Colbert’s show attracted an average of about 285,000 viewers in the critical 25-54 age demographic during January—his worst numbers to date in a category that typically matters to advertisers. With just a few months before the cancellation, it seems viewer interest began fading well before CBS made its official announcement.

The decline in these key demographics explains why the show is reportedly costing CBS around $40 million annually. It also suggests that Colbert’s attempts to leverage the narrative of his cancellation for a ratings boost are unlikely to succeed as the show’s end date nears.

For some context, Colbert used to average over 2.5 million viewers back in 2025. However, just last week he managed only 2.2 million viewers. Interestingly, while he surpassed Jimmy Kimmel (2.1 million) and Jimmy Fallon (1.25 million) in the same timeframe, Greg Gutfeld led with a stunning 3.2 million viewers.

It’s worth noting Gutfeld’s audience has access only via cable, whereas Colbert is available on a broadcast network, making it free for many viewers. One might expect that those disenchanted with Trump would rally around Colbert to watch him—but surprisingly, he’s actually lost viewers, affirming that the cancellation decision was probably justified.

Colbert has often been criticized for his unappealing style. Viewers seem to find him lacking in humor and authenticity, focused excessively on his own views, particularly regarding Trump. Many feel that his approach has become more about lecturing than entertaining.

Even those on the political left can grow weary of such one-sided commentary. Take Bill Maher, for example—while I don’t agree with him on everything, he does know how to deliver a punchline. Colbert and Maher share a certain smugness, yet Maher’s self-righteousness appears more integral to his comedic identity, while Colbert’s seems out of place and self-indulgent.

Gutfeld echoes qualities that Maher possesses, such as sharp writing, but also carries an element of likeability that both Colbert and Maher lack. In light of all these shifts, it seems clear that Colbert might not be missed, even among his former supporters.