NBC's FALLON, MEYERS Deliver Highest Tuesday Late Night Ratings in 5 Years

"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" continues to deliver strong ratings, last night averaging a 4.0 rating, 10 share in household results from the 56 markets metered by Nielsen Media Research, up 38% versus "Tonight's" non-Olympic season average (4.0 vs. 2.9, L+SD). "Tonight" matched the combined metered-market household rating in the time period of CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman" (2.3/6) and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (1.7/4).

At 12:35 a.m. ET, "Late Night with Seth Meyers" delivered strong ratings with its second telecast, averaging a 2.2 rating, 8 share in household results from the 56 markets metered by Nielsen Media Research, the highest Tuesday "Late Night" rating in metered-market households in five years (since Dec. 23, 2008, 2.4/7). Tuesday's "Late Night" retained 85% of the prior night's premiere 2.6/9.

Tuesday's "Late Night with Seth Meyers" is up 38% versus "Late Night's" season average (2.2 vs. 1.6, L+SD). The Feb. 25 "Late Night" retained 55% of its "Tonight Show" lead-in, in line with Monday's 58% (2.6 vs. 4.5) and the show's 55% season average (1.6 vs. 2.9). The 2.2 topped the combined ratings in the time slot of ABC's "Nightline" (1.0/3 for the first half-hour of the time period) and CBS's "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" (1.1/4).

At 1:35 a.m. ET, "Last Call with Carson Daly" (1.2/5 in metered-market households) out-rated ABC's "Nightline" (1.0/3 from 12:35-1:05 a.m.) and 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 0.5 rating in adults 18-49, to top "Nightline" and "Late Late Show" (0.3/2 each) and tie "Late Show with David Letterman" (0.5/2 from 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m.).

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

Tuesday's "Tonight Show" featured Paul Rudd, Shaquille O'Neal and Hannibal Buress and Wednesday's telecast is scheduled to include Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler (appearing together) and musical guest Dierks Bentley.

Tuesday's "Late Night" featured Kanye West, Russell Wilson and writer Robyn Doolittle and Wednesday's edition is scheduled to include Kelly Ripa, Brad Paisley and musical guest Brad Paisley

Detailed Tuesday Late-Night Results in the Metered Markets:

In Nielsen's 56 metered markets, household results were: "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," 4.0/10; CBS's "Late Show with David Letterman," 2.3/6; and ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," 1.7/4.

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 1.0/3 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" (2.2/8 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" (1.0/7 in 18-49) topped "Late Late Show" (0.3/2).

At 1:35 a.m., "Last Call with Carson Daly" averaged a 1.2/5 in metered-market households and a 0.5/4 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. Season figures are averages of "live plus seven day" data except for the two most recent weeks, which are "live plus same day."

Need more TV Theatre News in your life? Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...