Craig Ferguson edges past Jimmy Fallon in ratings
First the poor reviews, now the ratings -- this is not good news for Jimmy Fallon and his latenight show on NBC.
It was only by an eyelash, but the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson topped Late Night with Jimmy Fallon in total viewers for the first time.
Ferguson's show also tied Fallon's in adults 25 to54 years-of-age for the first time, according to Nielsen live plus same day ratings for the week ending May 8.
The Late Late Show drew 1.87 million viewers to CBS, up 7% in viewers (from 1.74 million) compared to the same week last year.
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon drew 1.867 million viewers.
Fallon was the overall winner with young demographics -- but Ferguson is definitely making late late night a much more competitive place.
Posted by David Zurawik at 1:47 PM | Permalink
| Comments (17)
Categories: Network TV, Ratings, Talk Shows
Categories: Network TV, Ratings, Talk Shows
Comments
All I can say is I knew this day would come!
Posted by: Rosie | May 14, 2009 4:27 PM
I like Craig Ferguson. I think his interviews are funny and he keep the guests engaged. I am glad he came out on top.
Sherry Tellitocci
Posted by: Sherry Tellitocci | May 14, 2009 5:02 PM
Fallon is far from his comfort zone on Late Night. I think he should stick to impersonations and skits.
Posted by: Craig | May 16, 2009 4:07 PM
This is how I discovered Craig Ferguson- because I had to change the channel because Fallon had nothing!
Posted by: John C | May 20, 2009 11:44 AM
When they announced that Fallon would be going into this time slot I predicted a big jump for Ferguson's ratings. It's well-deserved, not just because Fallon is mediocrity personified but because Craig is absolutely hilarious.
Posted by: Byron | May 21, 2009 11:06 AM
Now all we need is for Conan O'Brien to be as bad as Fallon and Letterman and Ferguson will finally both get the recognition they deserve.
Posted by: Adam | May 22, 2009 1:27 AM
He was never funny at SNL in the first place. Now, his opening skit is like his headlines skit at SNL; it does not work for late night talk show. Many times, his show gets too awkward I flip to Craig Ferguson. Fallon does not appear to want the show. I've seen Ferguson since the beginning and he really owned up with his own twist. Funny and world class is Ferguson. Fallon's show has flatlined
Posted by: Archie Marquis | May 26, 2009 1:10 AM
My wife and I seem to need our Craig Ferguson fix ever day. His obvious intelligence and quick wit are enhanced by his innate charm. I find it fascinating how many beautiful women, who are toasted by the the great mass of TV and movie going public are mesmerized by his interviews. Some of the best moments come during these off the cuff interactions. This goes for men too.
Posted by: Malcolm Polis | June 3, 2009 12:34 PM
Craig Ferguson is the most brilliant, funny, deep, obnoxiously silly thing on TV circa 2009. Watch now and tell your grandchildren what you witnessed. Those surreal opening two minute vignettes with the damn puppets and sometimes the lip synching are worthy of either a MOMA retrospective on performace art or a K-Tel late, late, late night greatest comedy commercial.
Stay awake, watch, pee in your pants laughing, and listen to the funny parts between Falstaff and Henry that ShakySpear (the early rapper) edited out.
Posted by: James Creighton | June 6, 2009 4:17 PM
I agree, it is time that Craig Ferguson is recognized as a great comedian and entertainer. Smart, quick witted, original, unabashed, humble, real, and an American by choice. Quality will eventually surface to the top. Go Craig !
Posted by: Pat Murray | June 11, 2009 6:43 PM
I'm a big fan of Craig Ferguson. I think he's my favorite of the late night guys at this point. He does a great interview and he's just... funny. And smart.
Posted by: Marvin | July 3, 2009 1:29 AM
Late night TV has had little appeal for me since Johnny Carson - until I discovered Craig Ferguson one night while channel surfing. Thought I'd lost my sense of humor until he woke it up. Thanks, Craig! Good to know there is a show out there late night that can always make me laugh again. Just sorry to hear that my age group no longer counts in the ratings.
Posted by: Betty | July 11, 2009 5:50 PM
I've never been a real viewer of late night TV, or TV in general. This changed when I stumbled upon the Late Late Show one night. Now I need my weekly fix of Craig Ferguson. His intelligence and great sense of humor put him miles ahead of the competition, including his "boss". Maybe we'll see him on the earlier time slot one day?
Posted by: Brad | July 22, 2009 1:46 AM
I gave Fallon a shot and I soon realized that he was out of his element. I switched to Craig Ferguson as I was dialing away from NBC. I found him to be delightful, intelligent, and self-effacing. I am not one of those laugh out loud kind of people... well until I became a regular viewer. He amazes me as he draws out interesting bits from his guests who are forced to deal with him. Jack Parr, Johnny Carson and now Craig Ferguson.
Posted by: George | July 22, 2009 2:39 AM
...mmm...Whatever happened to Craig Kilbourne?...talk about flopperinos.
Posted by: Ray Barcia | July 22, 2009 12:10 PM
I like Jimmy, but I like Craig better.
Posted by: tina | August 21, 2009 2:16 AM
Thanks to late night feedings with my newborn- I found Craig. My brother & sister-in-law talked about how funny he was and Entertainment Weekly would occasionally rave about him. But I don't like or watch late night TV... until now!
I may not be able to stay up to watch him, but thanks to DVR I have not and will not miss an episode ever again.
Posted by: Jenn | January 10, 2010 4:39 PM