Fallon, Colbert, Kimmel, Corden, Meyers: See Late-Night TV Rankings for Premiere Week

The ratings for late-night’s premiere week are in and a clear winner has emerged.

Once again, NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” was the top late-night show in all key measures. However, newly minted CBS host Stephen Colbert posted significant gains in the key demographic versus David Letterman‘s premiere week last year.

According to Nielsen estimates, Fallon averaged a 1.05 rating/5 share in the advertiser coveted adults 18-49 demographic and 3.6 million viewers in the 11:35 p.m time slot. However, Fallon was down slightly year to year in both measures, dropping five percent in the key demo and eight percent in viewers.

“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” finished second with a 0.78/4 and 3.2 million viewers. While still trailing Fallon, Colbert’s first week on broadcast was a significant improvement on the same week last year when David Letterman hosted the CBS show. Colbert was up 19 percent in total viewers and 60 percent in the key demo compared to last year.

ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” came in third place in the time slot with a 0.59/3 and 2.5 million viewers. Kimmel beat Colbert in the ratings for the first time Sept. 24, drawing a 0.9/5 to Colbert’s 0.7/5 — though Colbert’s show was pushed back by an hour due to football.

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NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers” won the 12:35 a.m. time slot, averaging a 0.54/4 and 1.6 million viewers. He was up slightly in both measures from last year, rising eight percent in the key demo and six percent in viewers.

“The Late Late Show with James Corden” finished behind Meyers with a 0.4/3 and 1.4 million viewers. Corden nevertheless improved on the show’s numbers in the key demo from premiere week last year when Craig Ferguson was the host. Corden was up 33 percent in the key demo but dropped five percent in total viewers.

11:35 p.m.

1. “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC)  1.05/5     3.6 million viewers
2. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” (CBS)           0.78/4     3.2 million viewers
3. “Jimmy Kimmel Live” (ABC)                                        0.59/3     2.5 million viewers

12:35 a.m.

1. “Late Night with Seth Meyers” (NBC)                         0.54/4      1.6 million viewers
2. “The Late Late Show with Jame Corden” (CBS)        0.4/3        1.4 million viewers

Oct. 2, 2015 12:53pm PT: A previous version of this story listed Craig Kilborn as the host of “The Late Late Show” before Corden. TheWrap apologizes for the error

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