AFTERMATH Of Lester Holt’s DEPARTURE: Tom Llamas’ NBC Nightly News Ratings REVEAL A STUNNING DEVELOPMENT That Raises SERIOUS Questions

Lester Holt fans prefer him to Tom Llamas (Image: Getty)
NBC Nightly News has officially entered its next chapter, with Tom Llamas taking over the anchor chair from veteran journalist Lester Holt on June 2, but the ratings show that fans aren’t completely won over.

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During Llamas’ first week on air, ABC’s World News Tonight with David Muir maintained its long-standing lead in the nightly news battle. The ABC broadcast delivered a commanding 6.997 million total viewers, including 907,000 in the adults 25–54 demo and 597,000 in the 18–49 demo, according to TV Insider.

That gave Muir a 28% lead over NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas, who pulled in a still-respectable 5.449 million total viewers, with 771,000 in the 25–54 group and 524,000 aged 18–49. More striking, however, is how Llamas’s debut compared to Holt’s final week. While David Muir topped NBC by 17% in total viewers during Holt’s last run, the gap widened significantly with Llamas, increasing to a 28% lead.

Muir also surged ahead in the all-important adults 25–54 demo, outpacing Llamas by 136,000 viewers. This margin is 157% greater than the gap between Muir and Holt in the same demo.

New NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas at NBC4 Los Angeles
Despite these numbers, NBC did have some good news to share. Nightly News with Tom Llamas retained more of its audience year-over-year than any other major newscast and was the only one to grow among adults 18–49, a key demographic for most advertisers.

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CBS remained in third place, with Evening News drawing 3.903 million viewers, along with 518,000 in the 25–54 demo and 386,000 in the 18–49 group.

In a statement issued back in March, Llamas acknowledged the significance of the job and paid tribute to his predecessor.

“Anchoring NBC Nightly News is a profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility,” he said.

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Journalist Lester Holt steps down from NBC Nightly News
“Lester Holt is a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time. Just like Lester, I promise to be devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”

Despite the ratings, fans have thrown support behind Llamas as he steps into his new role. They also showed love for Holt during the transition.

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“You’re a class act Tom! Welcome to the desk,” one NBC viewer said on Instagram.

“I could not be happier for Tom or for NBC…Lester, you will always be the GOAT! All the best!” another praised.

A third sentimental fan said: “Lester we will miss you! My kids grew up watching the news with you. My daughter even used to day Lesterday instead of yesterday when she was learning to talk, I’m sure because Lester Holt was a staple on our TV.”

“So sad to see lester go! But can’t wait to see what the future holds,” another hopeful viewer said.