Late Show Surpasses Tonight Show in Ratings During Mid-1990s Television Landscape

In 1995, The Late Show with David Letterman experienced a significant decline in ratings, marking the beginning of a challenging era for the program. This downturn was particularly evident as Jay Leno's The Tonight Show consistently outperformed Letterman's show in viewership. A pivotal moment in this ratings battle occurred when actor Hugh Grant made a highly publicized appearance on Leno's show following his arrest for soliciting a prostitute. This event not only drew considerable media attention but also attracted a large audience to Leno's program, further solidifying his lead in the late-night ratings race. During this period, The Late Show struggled to maintain its audience, losing nearly half of its viewership compared to previous years. While Leno typically attracted around five million nightly viewers, The Late Show's ratings dipped significantly, highlighting the intense competition in the late-night television landscape. This shift in viewer preference marked a critical turning point for Letterman, as he faced increasing challenges in reclaiming his audience amidst Leno's rising popularity.