For the first time since Jay Leno’s return to The Tonight Show, David Letterman’s Late Show dominated in the ratings, earning 3.8 million viewers over Leno’s 3.6 million, while also scoring higher marks in both the 18-49 and 25-54 demographics. And while that’s something of an upset, it’s nothing compared to this: The Daily Show finished the month of October with higher numbers than either of them in that key 18-49 demographic, marking the first time it’s been No. 1 over all late-night talk shows among that all-important age group. Last month saw The Daily Show averaging 1.3 million 18-49 viewers to the Late Show’s and Tonight Show’s 1.2 million, an increase in audience helped, no doubt, by the build-up to the midterm elections, the Rally To Restore Sanity, and an appearance by President Obama. Also, don’t underestimate the appeal of Austan Goolsbee. The kids love that guy.
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