Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" series finale drew 6.7 million viewers, while Byron Allen's replacement program "Comics Unleashed" attracted only 995,000 in its debut on CBS.
The stark ratings disparity underscores the challenge of replacing Colbert, whose show ended following alleged pressure from President Donald Trump on the network's parent company, according to Nielsen data and reports by The Daily Beast. Although CBS cited financial reasons for the cancellation, Colbert and political analysts have suggested Trump's criticism drove the decision.
Late-night competitors Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon each drew over 1.5 million viewers the same night "Comics Unleashed" premiered. Even Colbert's YouTube appearance on the public access show "Only in Monroe" garnered 928,000 views, nearly matching Allen's broadcast audience.
Long-time late-night reporter Bill Carter suggested Trump was "personally involved" in Colbert's removal from the network, Fox News reported.
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