Comics Unleashed Debut on CBS Lands 995K Viewers, Lagging Colbert Finale

Byron Allen’s Comics Unleashed kicked off its CBS 11:35 p.m. run with a panel-only Live+Same Day average of 995,000 total viewers (116,000 in 18–49) for the first half-hour, then 600,000 total (55,000 in 18–49) in the second half-hour. Compared to Stephen Colbert’s finale (6.7 million total, 1.1 million 18–49), the debut was down about 85% in total viewers and 95% in the 18–49 demo. National numbers also trailed Fallon and Kimmel, though Allen’s camp touts stronger local-market performances in many markets. The show’s low-cost, pay-for-time model and delayed-viewing data later this week will influence how its ratings are viewed long term, amid broader late-night scheduling quirks and overrun-adjusted airings.