Colbert’s Farewell Viewership Lags Behind Carson’s Goodbye

Stephen Colbert’s final episode attracted a mere 12 percent of the audience that tuned in for Johnny Carson’s farewell back in 1992.

Only 6.74 million viewers watched Colbert’s self-reflective goodbye last week, a stark contrast to Carson’s landmark send-off. It’s a little disheartening, really.

In 1992, a staggering 55 million people tuned in to see Carson’s last show. Sure, the media landscape has changed significantly, and I get that—streaming services and the internet have made audiences more fragmented than ever.

But still, 12 percent? Really?

Let’s put this in perspective. Back then, despite having video games, home video access, and around 100 channels, Carson’s farewell still captured more attention. The U.S. population was about 259 million in 1992, and it has now grown to 345 million. That’s quite a difference.

Interestingly, Carson’s goodbye didn’t hog the spotlight in the same way Colbert’s did. In 1992, Carson might have been mentioned on morning shows, and a few segments probably aired on Entertainment Tonight. Newspapers featured a couple of inside-page headlines. Colbert, on the other hand, had a nearly year-long promotional campaign building up to his finale—almost like a presidential election. Yet, you would think that would drive more people to tune in.

Despite the constant buzz, only 6.74 million watched his last episode, while Carson bid farewell with 55 million viewers.

Of course, looking at past final shows is revealing: Jay Leno wrapped up his in 2014 with 14.6 million viewers, and David Letterman pulled in 13.8 million in 2015. Even Conan O’Brien gathered 10.3 million in 2010. It’s telling that, despite Colbert’s extensive media backing, less than 3 percent of the American public tuned in, whereas 20 percent watched Carson’s goodbye.

Honestly, it raises questions about Colbert’s impact. CBS reportedly spends $40 million annually for his show, but does that match his cultural significance? It’s hard to say.

Colbert, despite his media presence, seems to leave little behind culturally. He plays to the establishment’s tune but ended up with the reception of a lounge singer rather than a rock star.

As an aside, even shows like Wheel of Fortune draw around 8 million viewers, which makes you ponder the whole scenario, doesn’t it?