CBS News and Stephen Colbert face historic low ratings in January

CBS News is grappling with a ratings crisis as its flagship programs plummet to unprecedented lows this month, according to Nielsen data.

The network’s key shows, including “CBS Evening News” with Tony Dokoupil, “CBS Mornings” hosted by Gayle King and Nate Burleson, “CBS Saturday Morning” with new anchors Adriana Diaz and Kelly O’Grady, and “Late Night with Stephen Colbert,” are all on track for their worst January performances ever, while CBS undergoes a major overhaul under editor in chief Bari Weiss, who started in October.

Critics argue that this downward spiral reflects deeper issues at CBS, pointing to a disconnect with everyday Americans as a potential cause for the declining viewership numbers.

Ratings Plummet Across CBS Lineup

“CBS Evening News,” under Dokoupil’s new leadership, averages just 4.3 million viewers, a sharp drop from last year’s figures by about 1 million, and trails far behind ABC’s David Muir at 8.2 million and NBC’s Tom Llamas at 6.7 million for the week of January 12, the New York Post reported.

“CBS Mornings” is pulling in a mere 1.7 million viewers, while “CBS Saturday Morning” averages 1.6 million, both marking historic lows for the network.

Even “Late Night with Stephen Colbert,” averaging only 285,000 viewers in the key 25-54 demographic, is heading for its worst January ever, with CBS canceling the show for financial reasons, set to air its final episode in May.

Overhaul Under Bari Weiss Sparks Debate

Weiss, tasked with steering CBS News toward a more balanced perspective, has already made sweeping changes, including replacing “CBS Evening News” co-hosts Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson with Dokoupil.

She’s also shaken up “CBS Saturday Morning” by ousting Dana Jacobson and Michelle Miller for Diaz and O’Grady, a move sources attribute to cost-cutting, with more layoffs reportedly looming for other programs like “60 Minutes.”

Rumors swirl that Weiss has approached Gayle King about a reduced role and salary cut from her estimated $13 million, while Nate Burleson may be shifted off “CBS Mornings” amid the revamp.

Disconnect with Middle America Blamed

A CBS source told The Post, “Bari Weiss has her work cut out for her,” calling the turnaround a “Herculean task.”

That’s an understatement when ratings were already tanking before Weiss arrived, suggesting the problem isn’t just new leadership but a long-standing failure to resonate beyond urban enclaves.

Another news executive remarked, “When will CBS learn that you have to program for the whole country and not just the coasts?” It’s a fair jab—shows like Colbert’s, with relentless critiques of President Trump, risk alienating viewers who crave fairness over finger-wagging.

Are Changes Helping or Hurting?

Some insiders wonder if Weiss’ bold moves are backfiring, with one suggesting loyal viewers might feel jarred by the rapid shifts in tone and talent at a network once seen as a steady hand.

Yet, let’s not pretend CBS was thriving before—ratings for its main shows were already in free fall, and polarizing coverage, like provocative bookings on “CBS Mornings,” hasn’t helped win back trust from middle America. If Weiss can pivot toward content that respects diverse viewpoints, there’s hope, but the clock is ticking on this third-place network.