CBS Evening News with Tony Dokoupil achieved double-digit percentage growth in both total viewers and the key adults 25-54 demographic during the week of January 19, 2026, according to Nielsen data highlighted by the network's PR team.
The standout performance included a peak on January 19, when the broadcast drew 6.4 million total viewers, its largest single-night audience since 2021, and 803,000 in the advertiser-coveted 25-54 demo. This surge marks a notable uptick for the program under Dokoupil, who assumed sole anchor duties earlier in January following a transitional period with co-anchors.
The week ending January 16 had already shown momentum, with the broadcast up +10% in the 25-54 demo compared to Dokoupil's premiere week and +4% in total viewers plus +13% in the demo versus the 2025-26 season-to-date average. The January 19 episode's numbers represent a further acceleration, signaling potential stabilization after an initial rocky start.
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| Tony Dokoupil |
Early critiques focused on on-air stumbles and format changes under new leadership, yet recent episodes featuring high-profile reporting like on-the-ground coverage of events in Minneapolis and interviews with figures including President Trump appear to have resonated more broadly.
The growth comes amid broader challenges for evening newscasts in a fragmented media landscape, where CBS has long trailed ABC's World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News.
No year-over-year comparisons for the specific week were detailed in the announcement, but the double-digit lifts highlight short-term progress for the flagship broadcast as it seeks to rebuild momentum in early 2026.