Stephen Colbert's Late Show Struggles: A Case of Declining Viewership

Stephen Colbert's Late Show is facing a significant drop in viewership, marking some of its lowest ratings in history. This decline is particularly noticeable in the 25–54 demographic, which is crucial for advertisers. With an average of 285, 000 viewers in this demographic, the show is on track for its worst January performance ever. As the show approaches its final months, it's clear that viewers have been tuning out long before the official cancellation. Throughout 2025, Colbert's show averaged 2. 545 million viewers, but last week, that number dropped to 2. 249 million. Despite beating competitors like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, Colbert's ratings pale in comparison to Greg Gutfeld's 3. 2 million viewers on Fox News. This is notable because Gutfeld's show is only available through cable, while Colbert's is on a broadcast network, accessible to nearly everyone for free.One might expect Colbert's ratings to surge due to the controversy surrounding his cancellation, but that hasn't happened. Instead, the declining viewership supports the decision to cancel the show. It seems the audience just isn't there, even in a country where a significant portion of the population might be expected to support Colbert's political views. The core issue with Colbert's show has always been its lack of genuine entertainment value. Colbert's humor often falls flat, and his segments come across as more of a lecture than a comedy routine. His strong political bias and lack of charisma have turned off many viewers. Even those who share his political views may find his approach tiresome over time. Comparing Colbert to other late-night hosts like Bill Maher and Greg Gutfeld highlights his shortcomings. Maher, despite his own biases, knows how to deliver a joke effectively. Gutfeld, on the other hand, combines great writing with charm and self-deprecation, making him more likable and entertaining. Colbert, unfortunately, lacks these qualities, leaving his show with little to offer.