Comments on: Letterman Tops Conan in Viewers, Adults 18-49 & 25-54 for the First Time Since 2005 http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/ Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:23:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ratings: September 21-25. « Craig Ferguson News & Updates. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-2/#comment-131387 Ratings: September 21-25. « Craig Ferguson News & Updates. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:13:40 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-131387 [...] CBS Press Release. At 12:35 a.m. ET, Jimmy Fallon’s 827,000 adults 18-49 for the week out-delivered Ferguson’s [...] [...] CBS Press Release. At 12:35 a.m. ET, Jimmy Fallon’s 827,000 adults 18-49 for the week out-delivered Ferguson’s [...]

]]> By: Jim http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-2/#comment-129827 Jim Fri, 02 Oct 2009 06:10:46 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129827 Now we have the Letterman blackmail ploy to juice his ratings. Will his admission that he bedded female staffers negatively impact his ratings? Now we have the Letterman blackmail ploy to juice his ratings. Will his admission that he bedded female staffers negatively impact his ratings?

]]> By: Tyson http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-2/#comment-129804 Tyson Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:55:33 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129804 I'm a big Conan fan. (And a moderate Letterman fan. I always cheered for Letterman vs. Leno.) I've tuned in to see Conan a few times since he took over the tonight show, and he's just not the same guy he was an hour later. I don't know if the suits are giving him notes to change the way he acts (why give him the show if you just want him to change?) or if he just feels he needs to change, but in either case he's definitely not the same. I'm a little sad that people who aren't familiar with his old self are judging him based on his performance at the earlier hour. And I REALLY wanted to watch Madonna on Dave last night, but I just canceled my DirecTV and don't have a digital antennae yet. Sucky. Hoping it shows up online. I’m a big Conan fan. (And a moderate Letterman fan. I always cheered for Letterman vs. Leno.) I’ve tuned in to see Conan a few times since he took over the tonight show, and he’s just not the same guy he was an hour later. I don’t know if the suits are giving him notes to change the way he acts (why give him the show if you just want him to change?) or if he just feels he needs to change, but in either case he’s definitely not the same. I’m a little sad that people who aren’t familiar with his old self are judging him based on his performance at the earlier hour.

And I REALLY wanted to watch Madonna on Dave last night, but I just canceled my DirecTV and don’t have a digital antennae yet. Sucky. Hoping it shows up online.

]]> By: Izkid http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129685 Izkid Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:49:59 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129685 I think a certain President had something to do with this. If Conan's demos are back up next week, than NBC has less to worry about I think a certain President had something to do with this. If Conan’s demos are back up next week, than NBC has less to worry about

]]> By: Jon http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129672 Jon Fri, 02 Oct 2009 01:24:33 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129672 J.Haas I agree with you Conan is a flamboyant liberal. Here's something I want to ask people who like claim they like Conan. Do you like Conan or DID you like Conan. Conan stopped being funny 2 years ago and got plain old and washed up. Take it from me, I used to love the guy. J.Haas I agree with you Conan is a flamboyant liberal.
Here’s something I want to ask people who like claim they like Conan.
Do you like Conan or DID you like Conan.
Conan stopped being funny 2 years ago and got plain old and washed up. Take it from me, I used to love the guy.

]]> By: Kevin http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129602 Kevin Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:18:02 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129602 J. Haas, you do have some points, but I think you're exaggerating a bit when you use the word "vicious". If I had to use that term to describe any of the late night hosts it would be Letterman who seems to get genuinely angry over certain issues. Colbert is sarcastically angry, Conan is somewhere in the middle, and Fallon is completely low-key and has no political agenda. J. Haas, you do have some points, but I think you’re exaggerating a bit when you use the word “vicious”. If I had to use that term to describe any of the late night hosts it would be Letterman who seems to get genuinely angry over certain issues. Colbert is sarcastically angry, Conan is somewhere in the middle, and Fallon is completely low-key and has no political agenda.

]]> By: J. Haas http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129565 J. Haas Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:41:55 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129565 I have liked Conan for as long as I can remember but here's what Leno's short absence has shown me: I enjoy Conan a lot more when he comes after Leno. I also like Conan more when my late-night was like it's supposed to be and I can go to bed without having to endure that inarticulate sub male Jimmy Fallon. Okay at least he makes Carson Daly appear manly. To think that I liked the guy and was so excited to have him host late night... Another thing. Conan was never overtly partisan politically on Late Night, but since he got the Tonight Show he and Fallon have adopted a downright nasty tone. While Conan is not as vicious as Fallon, there's something about him toeing the party line that distracts from his comedy. But he has a beautiful set and there's hope he'll find some use for Andy Richter and his troupe of ace comedians who deserve much better than what they've been given so far. Leno included politics as well, and I wish he didn't but at least he has a good guy persona and has a long record of being fair. He made an effort to show a semblance of open-mindedness by having Rush Limbaugh on and not using the occasion to score cheap shots. Leno doesn't harm Conan. Leno tries to maintain a big tent appeal while Conan and Fallon think they can thin the herd with no repercussion. I have liked Conan for as long as I can remember but here’s what Leno’s short absence has shown me: I enjoy Conan a lot more when he comes after Leno. I also like Conan more when my late-night was like it’s supposed to be and I can go to bed without having to endure that inarticulate sub male Jimmy Fallon. Okay at least he makes Carson Daly appear manly. To think that I liked the guy and was so excited to have him host late night…

Another thing. Conan was never overtly partisan politically on Late Night, but since he got the Tonight Show he and Fallon have adopted a downright nasty tone. While Conan is not as vicious as Fallon, there’s something about him toeing the party line that distracts from his comedy. But he has a beautiful set and there’s hope he’ll find some use for Andy Richter and his troupe of ace comedians who deserve much better than what they’ve been given so far.

Leno included politics as well, and I wish he didn’t but at least he has a good guy persona and has a long record of being fair. He made an effort to show a semblance of open-mindedness by having Rush Limbaugh on and not using the occasion to score cheap shots.

Leno doesn’t harm Conan. Leno tries to maintain a big tent appeal while Conan and Fallon think they can thin the herd with no repercussion.

]]> By: Cameron http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129552 Cameron Thu, 01 Oct 2009 22:19:28 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129552 Leno isn't taking Conan's audience, Conan lost Leno's audience when he took over on The Tonight Show from him. Leno isn’t taking Conan’s audience, Conan lost Leno’s audience when he took over on The Tonight Show from him.

]]> By: Ike http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129507 Ike Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:19:24 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129507 I'm surprised that Craig Ferguson isn't beating Jimmy Fallon more regularly (or, during the week in question, by a greater margin than shown in this press release). More recent overnights have Fallon marginally ahead. What on Earth is that about? I haven't seen Fallon's late night show but if he's as lame as he was on SNL, then why are people watching him? Ferguson is hilarious. I know humor is subjective but... I just can't conceive of this. Who *doesn't* like a manic Scotsman who tries to stare down the camera? With puppets? I’m surprised that Craig Ferguson isn’t beating Jimmy Fallon more regularly (or, during the week in question, by a greater margin than shown in this press release). More recent overnights have Fallon marginally ahead. What on Earth is that about? I haven’t seen Fallon’s late night show but if he’s as lame as he was on SNL, then why are people watching him? Ferguson is hilarious. I know humor is subjective but… I just can’t conceive of this. Who *doesn’t* like a manic Scotsman who tries to stare down the camera? With puppets?

]]> By: Meli http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129447 Meli Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:13:16 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129447 I don't think Conan's ratings have anything to do with Leno. I don't think I've watched more than 10 minutes of Leno's show at 10, and Conan talking about his concussion this week was the first time I'd watched him in awhile (btw, it was the most relaxed I'd seen Conan on TV in at least a year). Conan's ratings and Leno's ratings are due to crappy programming on NBC at the 8 and 9 o'clock hour. Bad lead-ins hurt your ratings and hurt your late-night. Obviously, the only appointment TV for me in the late-night slot is the Late Late Show. I don’t think Conan’s ratings have anything to do with Leno. I don’t think I’ve watched more than 10 minutes of Leno’s show at 10, and Conan talking about his concussion this week was the first time I’d watched him in awhile (btw, it was the most relaxed I’d seen Conan on TV in at least a year).

Conan’s ratings and Leno’s ratings are due to crappy programming on NBC at the 8 and 9 o’clock hour. Bad lead-ins hurt your ratings and hurt your late-night.

Obviously, the only appointment TV for me in the late-night slot is the Late Late Show.

]]> By: jon http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129446 jon Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:11:22 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129446 Bill, is it official Conan is a complete disaster? I think it is. So his average age is younger. Leno still pulled better 18-49 and Conan gets like 50,000 more viewers 18-34. Aint that great. Bill, is it official Conan is a complete disaster?
I think it is. So his average age is younger.
Leno still pulled better 18-49 and Conan gets like 50,000 more viewers 18-34. Aint that great.

]]> By: Celia http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129390 Celia Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:08:37 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129390 I agree about Dave and Madonna last night. It was fun to watch. Don't know about Dave "acting younger". To me he's always had an edge and talent that other late night guys can't match. I've been a fan for years and am so happy for him and his staff of this new-found popularity. I think for too long he was taken for granted...well...no more!!! I agree about Dave and Madonna last night. It was fun to watch. Don’t know about Dave “acting younger”. To me he’s always had an edge and talent that other late night guys can’t match. I’ve been a fan for years and am so happy for him and his staff of this new-found popularity. I think for too long he was taken for granted…well…no more!!!

]]> By: Bill Gorman http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129344 Bill Gorman Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:30:31 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129344 Kevin, <strong>most</strong> primetime broadcast shows have more viewers aged 50-65. It's the rare and valuable ones that appeal more to 18-34 year olds. Kevin, most primetime broadcast shows have more viewers aged 50-65. It’s the rare and valuable ones that appeal more to 18-34 year olds.

]]> By: Kevin http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129341 Kevin Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:28:25 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129341 Okay, yes, not every older person enjoys Leno, but come on, would you argue he appeals more to 50 - 65 or 18 - 34? Okay, yes, not every older person enjoys Leno, but come on, would you argue he appeals more to 50 – 65 or 18 – 34?

]]> By: Catherine http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129312 Catherine Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:54:08 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129312 Considering the fact that this older viewer won't even watch Leno when he has on a guest I really want to see, I am fairly sure Leno's audience and Letterman's only partially overlaps. Last week when Hugh Laurie (whom I really like) was going to be on Leno I was talking to my 28 year old son about it. We really wanted to see Laurie, but as we both agreed, we couldn't stand to watch Leno. Leno hasn't been funny since he used to guest on Letterman's late night NBC show which is a darn shame because somehow his getting the Tonight Show squashed his talent, his edge. Considering the fact that this older viewer won’t even watch Leno when he has on a guest I really want to see, I am fairly sure Leno’s audience and Letterman’s only partially overlaps. Last week when Hugh Laurie (whom I really like) was going to be on Leno I was talking to my 28 year old son about it. We really wanted to see Laurie, but as we both agreed, we couldn’t stand to watch Leno. Leno hasn’t been funny since he used to guest on Letterman’s late night NBC show which is a darn shame because somehow his getting the Tonight Show squashed his talent, his edge.

]]> By: KHL http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129285 KHL Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:25:37 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129285 Dave also has much better lead ins in the 10:00 hour. I'm not specifically blaming Leno, just the low ratings in his timeslot. Dave also has much better lead ins in the 10:00 hour. I’m not specifically blaming Leno, just the low ratings in his timeslot.

]]> By: Worldwide Pants http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129250 Worldwide Pants Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:58:40 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129250 It's inexplicable as to why, the moment Conan debuts at 11:35, Letterman instantly has the best guests, consistently. His pizza dinner with Madonna killed last night. And TSA, yes, Dave has been acting much yonger lately, almost like he has something to play for nowadays. It’s inexplicable as to why, the moment Conan debuts at 11:35, Letterman instantly has the best guests, consistently.

His pizza dinner with Madonna killed last night. And TSA, yes, Dave has been acting much yonger lately, almost like he has something to play for nowadays.

]]> By: SB http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129239 SB Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:49:17 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129239 Dave's crew is really going all-out on the bookings now, and it didn't end with last week. Anyone catch Dave with Madonna last night? The two of them together are amazing - they combine to create a wild energy, plus the production team added in other fun elements to make the show a real event. For me, last night Late Show was appointment TV. It's the kind of show Conan hasn't been able to come up with yet. I mean, did anyone else find even find his show where he came back from his fall kinda dull, like he was embarrassed to talk about it? Dave’s crew is really going all-out on the bookings now, and it didn’t end with last week. Anyone catch Dave with Madonna last night? The two of them together are amazing – they combine to create a wild energy, plus the production team added in other fun elements to make the show a real event.

For me, last night Late Show was appointment TV. It’s the kind of show Conan hasn’t been able to come up with yet. I mean, did anyone else find even find his show where he came back from his fall kinda dull, like he was embarrassed to talk about it?

]]> By: TSA http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129212 TSA Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:37:02 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129212 Obama was on Monday. Letterman won Monday, tied Tuesday, and won the rest of the week. Seems less like a one-time thing and more like a trend. Dave's been acting younger lately. Obama was on Monday. Letterman won Monday, tied Tuesday, and won the rest of the week. Seems less like a one-time thing and more like a trend. Dave’s been acting younger lately.

]]> By: Kevin http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129185 Kevin Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:19:30 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129185 I'm sick of people blaming Conan's ratings on Leno. Conan was losing before Leno's new show went on the air, and the fact that he is now losing 18-49 doesn't change anything as Leno's 18-49 numbers are less than spectacular. If anything, Leno is taking away some of Letterman's ratings because I could see the two sharing a similar, older audience. It's not like people are locked into either watching NBC from 10 PM onward or turning off their TV, like Conan fans would lead you to believe. Stop looking for a scapegoat. Conan is just not ready for The Tonight Show. I’m sick of people blaming Conan’s ratings on Leno. Conan was losing before Leno’s new show went on the air, and the fact that he is now losing 18-49 doesn’t change anything as Leno’s 18-49 numbers are less than spectacular. If anything, Leno is taking away some of Letterman’s ratings because I could see the two sharing a similar, older audience. It’s not like people are locked into either watching NBC from 10 PM onward or turning off their TV, like Conan fans would lead you to believe.

Stop looking for a scapegoat. Conan is just not ready for The Tonight Show.

]]> By: Kyle http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129143 Kyle Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:55:23 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129143 I dont get it cause to me Conan might be funny but Lettermen he is like funny sometimes then not funny the other times!! I dont get it cause to me Conan might be funny but Lettermen he is like funny sometimes then not funny the other times!!

]]> By: Anonymous http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129136 Anonymous Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:52:41 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129136 Oh and i'm REALLY looking forward to NBC's press release for Conan this week! Oh and i’m REALLY looking forward to NBC’s press release for Conan this week!

]]> By: Anonymous http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129135 Anonymous Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:52:11 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129135 This is likely a "one-time" thing, as Letterman was greatly helped out by Obama's appearance. I highly doubt this will hold up. This is likely a “one-time” thing, as Letterman was greatly helped out by Obama’s appearance. I highly doubt this will hold up.

]]> By: Tommy http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/10/01/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-tops-the-tonight-show-in-viewers-adults-18-49-and-adults-25-54-for-the-first-time-since-2005/29165/comment-page-1/#comment-129131 Tommy Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:49:53 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/?p=29165#comment-129131 I wonder if this has more to do with Conan and Leno instead of Dave and Conan? Leno has to be taking some of Conan's audience. I wonder if this has more to do with Conan and Leno instead of Dave and Conan? Leno has to be taking some of Conan’s audience.

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