Stephen Colbert’s Homage To Paris Produces Early Ratings Pop

Stephen Colbert’s homage to Paris appears to have brought him an early household ratings pop.

In Nielsen’s 56 metered markets, CBS’ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (2.6/7) finished just shy of NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2.7/7); ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live (2.0/5) followed. One week earlier, the spread between Colbert (2.0/5) and Fallon ( 2.6/7) had been bigger; Kimmel clocked 1.9/5.

In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, Fallon logged an early demo 1.0/5 rating last night, while Colbert and Kimmel tied with 0.6/3. One week earlier, Fallon logged the same 1.0/5, and Colbert and Kimmel tied with a 0.5/3.

A show devoted entirely to the people of Paris freed Stephen Colbert from broadcast talk-show TV’s stifling format last night. Rather than interview some Hollywood starlet or president candidate about her upcoming TV show or CNN debate, Colbert instead tormented Bill Maher, after which a bunch of acrobatic cats who’d been booked to perform appeared to go on strike on stage in solidarity with Maher.