Despite NBC’s probable fears that Letterman’s victory over Conan O’Brien on Tuesday night meant that Leno’s former audience had found something productive to do at 11:30 p.m., the Tonight Show rebounded last night, beating Late Show by a tight score of 3.2 to 3.1. Dave’s earlier win (his first in eight months) was thought to be aided by guest Julia Roberts, who is evidently more beloved by America than O’Brien’s visitor that night, Eddie Murphy. Last night, Letterman hosted Kathy Griffin while Conan had Dane Cook, so we can’t imagine Griffin feels too great today. And now that both 11:30 talk shows seem to be neck and neck, does this mean every morning’s Nielsen results will just be a referendum on which of the previous night’s talk-show guests people like better? Because that would be awesome. Tonight: Denzel Washington versus Norm MacDonald!
Conan O’Brien’s ratings rise, dominates in demo [Live Feed/HR]
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