Late-Night Ratings: ‘Nightline’ Draws More Viewers than Letterman in Q2

ABC’s “Nightline” averaged more total and 25-54 viewers than CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman” in the just completed second quarter of 2010. That hasn’t happened in a Q2 in 10 years.

“Nightline,” which was also #2 in 18-49, had its largest Q2 total viewer average in six years and best 25-54 average in four. “Nightline” was also up compared to last year in total viewers and the demos, while the late-night comedy programs were both down in all categories.

Jay Leno‘s return this spring helped propel NBC’s “Tonight” show back into the top spot among the late-night programs in total viewers and the demos. But meanwhile, “Tonight” had its lowest Q2 audiences averages for total viewers and A25-54 going back as far as at least 1992, which is the year Leno started, and “The Late Show” had its lowest Q2 total viewer average since 1993.

Note: ABC ratings are based on 30-minute broadcast, while CBS and NBC are based on one hour.

Show	Network	Total Viewers	A25-54	A18-49
Tonight Show	NBC	4.03M	1.71M	1.39M
Nightline	ABC	3.70M	1.59M	1.30M
Late Show	CBS	3.28M	1.47M	1.13M

Ratings for last week after the jump…

Show	Network	Total Viewers	A25-54	A18-49
Tonight Show	NBC	3.83M	1.59M	1.28M
Nightline	ABC	3.49M	1.42M	1.09M
Late Show	CBS	3.13M	1.34M	1.08M

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