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Late-Night TV: From 5 Million Viewers to 700K

12/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In December 2025, discussions about late-night TV highlight a stark contrast between past and present, including the cultural significance of The Larry Sanders Show.
In 1995, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno attracted over five million viewers, illustrating the era's large audiences.
This summer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon drew less than 700,000 viewers, signaling a drastic decline.

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Story summary

In December 2025, discussions about late-night TV highlight a stark contrast between past and present, including the cultural significance of The Larry Sanders Show.
In 1995, The Tonight Show With Jay Leno attracted over five million viewers, illustrating the era's large audiences.
This summer, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon drew less than 700,000 viewers, signaling a drastic decline.