Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ finale sets a weeknight ratings record

who used to watch at 11:35 p.m. simply catch up later on YouTube or via social media.

In the first quarter of 2026, “The Late Show” averaged about 2.7 million viewers a night, according to CBS.

But Colbert’s finale had all the markings of big-event TV. His two main rivals, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel and NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, both opted to air repeat episodes on continue reading …