Late-night shows are TV programs that usually air after 11:00 PM. They’re known for their mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, political jokes, and musical guests. These shows help viewers wind down after a long day, and in 2025, they’re more competitive than ever!
This list is based on real viewership numbers from Q1 2025, especially from trusted sources like LateNighter and DIRECTV Insider. We also looked at fan ratings from sites like IMDb and Ranker. Here is a list of top 12 most popular and talked-about shows.
The Top-Rated Late-Night Shows of 2025
Here are the leading late-night shows based on average viewership and fan interest:
| Rank | Show | Network | Time Slot | Avg Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gutfeld! | Fox News | 10:00 PM | 3.6 |
| 2 | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | CBS | 11:35 PM | 2.4 |
| 3 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! | ABC | 11:35 PM | 1.8 |
| 4 | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | NBC | 11:35 PM | 1.2 |
| 5 | The Daily Show | Comedy Central | 11:00 PM | 1.0 |
| 6 | Late Night with Seth Meyers | NBC | 12:37 AM | 0.94 |
| 7 | Nightline | ABC | 12:37 AM | 0.84 |
| 8 | After Midnight | CBS | 12:37 AM | 0.65 |
| 9 | Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen | Bravo | 10:00 PM | 0.41 |
| 10 | Dish Nation | Fox | Various | N/A |
| 11 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | HBO | Sundays | N/A |
| 12 | Real Time with Bill Maher | HBO | Fridays | N/A |
Ratings vs. Reviews: What Fans Think
Viewer numbers tell us what’s popular, but fan ratings show what’s loved. Here’s how a few shows score on IMDb:
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver – 8.9
- The Daily Show – 8.2
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert – 7.2
- Gutfeld! – 6.5
Even if a show has fewer viewers, it might still be a critical or fan favorite!
Is Gutfeld! a Late-Night Show?
There’s some debate about this. Gutfeld! airs at 10:00 PM, earlier than most late-night shows. But with the highest ratings in 2025, many include it in the late-night category, especially since its format matches others in the genre (news satire, monologues, and panel discussions)
Today’s late-night shows face more competition than ever — not just from each other, but from YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts. Even so, the best still find ways to stand out with sharp writing, strong hosts, and loyal fans.
Conclusion: The Top 12 Must-Watch Late-Night Shows in 2025
Here’s a quick recap of the biggest names on late-night TV this year:
- Gutfeld!
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- Jimmy Kimmel Live!
- The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
- The Daily Show
- Late Night with Seth Meyers
- Nightline
- After Midnight
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
- Dish Nation
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
- Real Time with Bill Maher
Whether you prefer comedy, news, or interviews, there’s something for everyone after dark!
Sources Cited
- LateNighter: Q1 2025 Nielsen Viewership Report
- DIRECTV Insider: Top 10 Late-Night Shows (July 2025)
- Ranker: Fan-voted Rankings (May 2025)
- IMDb: Viewer Ratings