Are Jon Stewart's Ratings Better Than Leno's?

By Christine Fenno Posted Jul 3rd 2011 02:34PM

'Tonight Show' vs. 'Daily Show' may be the latest battle in the late-night wars, as a surprise ratings report has NBC and Comedy Central clashing over who's on top. Is Jon Stewart, as the numbers suggest, now more popular than Jay Leno?

For the first time, Stewart's 'The Daily Show' has bested Leno's 'Tonight Show' in a key segment of viewers. However, NBC execs, ever stubborn when it comes to defending Leno, aren't taking the news lying down.

According to EW.com, while Leno's 'Tonight Show' viewership still tops the ratings in overall viewers, as it has for years, Comedy Central is celebrating the fact that during the most recent quarter, Stewart drew a few thousand more people than Leno in the crucial "Adults 18-49" demographic.

For 2011's second quarter, Comedy Central is claiming Stewart's show drew 1.295 million (compared to a 'Tonight Show' total of 1.292 million) in the advertiser-friendly demo of viewers between age 18-49.

But NBC spokesman Tom Bierbaum is calling foul, and says only new episodes were counted, strategically omitting the ratings on rerun episodes; by NBC's calculations, 'The Tonight Show With Jay Leno' wins the category when every episode (new and rerun) is measured.

Still, nobody can argue that a snarky, low-budget cable series is undoubtedly giving the most iconic late-night show in history a run for its money. Leno may consider his viewers loyal -- remember, there were plenty who cheered his return to late-night, while Team Coco mourned -- but Stewart's substantial fan base is clearly a force to be reckoned with.

The two hosts have made no comment on the latest ratings. But Stewart must be greeting the news with satisfaction. After all, he doesn't seem to be what you'd call Leno fan, at least based on this 2010 'Daily Show' segment about a controversial 'Tonight Show' episode:

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Tags: jay leno, jon stewart, The Daily Show, tonight show

Comments

(49)

Sunday 03 July

By gobluespartyon

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I think both Stewart & Leno have layal fan bases younger people like Stewart and Leno is more for the older crowd.

By Titan

You're right! Jon Stewart is for those people still living, who have a still beating heart, some intelligence, and a sense of humor. While Jay Leno has never had a funny day in his entire life, and is more for people already dead and buried. What a mistake NBC made when they hired him!!!

By stu

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oooo john is ahead by a few thosand more in the 1849 age range.
john is still over rated. & Letterman svcks!

By ann

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I'm 75, and I dislike Leno--always have. Love Stewart.

By KR

Leno is more overdone than the Sunday Pork Roast Special at Dennys.

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Monday 04 July

By Randi Grogan

I agree to some extent, Jon isn't young and his demographic is definetly adults then the same adults may turn on Leno for his monolouge. I would hope this is true Jon is a Democrat and he believes in our Country not with the Teabagging idiots. I hope his show continues to THRIVE, We need him!

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By strangecandy

jay leno is not funny

By Ed Stewart

I love Jay Leno and always have. But I will say his show did lose something when all the Conan crap was going on. I never liked Conan so I'm glad hes gone. Jimmy Falon was a great replacement for him. Iwish Jay would look back at the format of his pre Conan, and do some twicking. I will always watch Jay.

By ajschrod

Ditto the age, but I always thought Leno had the best monologue--except for his double-intendres and downright raunch.

By jay

Like Jay Leno, Would like to see him and Dennis Gage do a car show from Jays garge

By frank

lenno did the gage show years ago, no? gage drove the steamer.

By hello kitty

I recall a show where Leno told a guest; "Thank you for not using Just For Men.". Now it looks like Jay is the butt of his own joke.

By dee

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Jay was not the same after his return...I very seldom watch any longer and when I do it appears he has animals on way to much.

he was gone somewhere?

By todd

It worries me that inpressionable people will take this looney seriously. stewaart is one pf the stupidest people i have ever seen,so I take it are his fans.

By KIT

Jon Stewart is one of the smartest and funniest men in America.

By ruta

Are you the same Todd who was dating Lisa Lupner on SNL way back when?

By djk2

My husband and I both are above the 18-49 age group (by more than I'd like to admit) and we love Jon Stewart, and also Stephen Colbert (although he took a little getting used to). Can't stand Leno, Conan, or anyone else since Johnny Carson retired.

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