Palin apology doesn't boost Letterman (though gap with Conan narrows)

CBS' "Late Show" drew a fairly typical number Monday night for the talk show host's apology to Sarah Palin, not spiking the Nielsens despite considerable publicity.

Letterman was seen by 3.9 million viewers and posted a 1.0 adults 18-49 rating. That's pretty good for a summer "Late Show" episode and 4% higher than Letterman's Monday year-to-date average in viewers. But it was down 9% from his average in the adult demo and last Thursday's episode drew even more (4.0 million).

Conan O'Brien's "Tonight Show" (3.2 million, 1.3) remained on top in the demo.

Letterman's post-O'Brien "Tonight Show" lead continues among total viewers, however, and the gap between the hosts in the crucial adult demo is shrinking as O'Brien's numbers slip. 

Last night O'Brien bested Letterman by 30%, the smallest percentage since O'Brien took over "Tonight" hosting duties.