Stephen Colbert’s  outperformed both and  in ratings during the second quarter of 2025, despite CBS’s decision to cancel the long-running series.

The news, confirmed last week, marks and over 30 years since David Letterman launched the show’s original run.

 to shut down the program sparked concern across the industry, with insiders questioning the long-term future of late-night television altogether.

According to numbers published by The Late Nighter, Colbert’s show drew 2.4 million viewers between April and June. Jimmy Kimmel Live! followed with 1.8 million viewers, while  The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon came in third with 1.2 million.

Despite those solid numbers, CBS chose to end the show. The decision sent shockwaves through the network and the broader entertainment landscape, raising questions about the motive behind it.

Colbert tops Fallon in ratings (Image: Getty)

Colbert  during the opening monologue of his July 18 episode.

When his studio audience booed after hearing the cancellation news, Colbert responded: “Yeah, I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”

He continued: “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. I’m so grateful to the Tiffany network for giving me this chair and this beautiful theater to call home.”