NBC Late-Night Lineup Continues to Deliver Strong Results

"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" delivered night-to-night ratings growth, averaging a 4.2 rating, 11 share in household results from the 56 markets metered by Nielsen Media Research (with the Greenville/Spartanburg market currently excluded), up 5% versus Tuesday's 4.0 rating. Last night's 4.2 is up 45% versus "Tonight's" non-Olympic season average (4.2 vs. 2.9, L+SD). "Tonight" nearly matched the combined metered-market household rating in the time period of CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman" (2.2/6) and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (2.1/6).

At 12:35 a.m. ET, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" delivered strong ratings with its third telecast, averaging a 2.1 rating, 7 share in household results from the 56 markets metered by Nielsen Media Research, up 31% versus "Late Night's" season average (2.1 vs. 1.6, L+SD). Wednesday's "Late Night" retained 95% of the prior night's 2.2/8.

In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" averaged a 0.9/6 in adults 18-49, best for a Wednesday "Late Night" in four years (since Jan. 13, 2010, 0.9). In the LPMs, "Late Night's" 0.9 topped the combined ratings in the time slot of ABC's "Nightline" (0.3/2 for the first half-hour of the time period) and CBS's "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" (0.3/2).

At 1:35 a.m. ET, "Last Call with Carson Daly" (1.1/5 in metered-market households) tied CBS's "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" (1.1/4 from 12:35-1:35 a.m.). In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, "Last Call" averaged a 0.4 rating in adults 18-49, to top "Nightline" and "Late Late Show" (0.3/2 each) and pull within a tenth of a point of "Late Show with David Letterman" (0.5/2 from 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m.), despite "Last Call's" later start time.

"Fast official" ratings for "Tonight" and "Late Night" are expected later today.

Wednesday's "Tonight Show" featured Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler (appearing together) and musical guest Dierks Bentley and Thursday's telecast is scheduled to include Denzel Washington, Shaun White and musical guest Sara Bareilles with The Roots.

Wednesday's "Late Night" featured Kelly Ripa, Brad Paisley, Robyn Doolittle and musical guest Brad Paisley and Thursday's edition is scheduled to include Lena Dunham, Anthony Mackie and musical guest John Mayer Trio.

Detailed Wednesday Late-Night Results in the Metered Markets:

In Nielsen's 56 metered markets, household results were: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," 4.2/11; CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman," 2.2/6; and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 2.1/6.

In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, adult 18-49 results were: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," 1.7/8; "Late Show," 0.5/2; and "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 0.6/3.

From 12:35-1:05 a.m. ET, ABC's "Nightline" averaged a 1.3/4 in metered-market households and a 0.3/2 in 18-49 in the Local People Meters.

From 12:35-1:35 a.m. ET, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" (2.1/7 in metered-market households) beat CBS's "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" (1,1/4). In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, "Late Night" (0.9/6 in 18-49) topped "Late Late Show" (0.3/2).

At 1:35 a.m., "Last Call with Carson Daly" averaged a 1.1/5 in metered-market households and a 0.4/3 in adults 18-49 in the 25 markets with local people meters.

NOTE: All ratings are "live plus same day" from Nielsen Media Research unless otherwise indicated.