In a move that had the news world buzzing, Tom Llamas took over as anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2025, succeeding the legendary Lester Holt. Known for his sharp reporting and commanding presence, Llamas’ debut on the network has not only attracted attention but also ignited a larger conversation about the future of evening news.

The question on everyone’s mind: How did Llamas fare in his first month on air, and what does this mean for the future of NBC Nightly News in the competitive world of broadcast journalism?

June 2025 Ratings: A Slight Dip, But Hope for the Future

As the numbers for June 2025 came in, the ratings for NBC Nightly News under Llamas showed a slight dip from the 5.7 million viewers Holt averaged during his final months. Llamas’ first full month drew 5.674 million viewers. While this drop of roughly 30,000 viewers isn’t significant, it’s important to note that transitions between high-profile anchors often result in temporary shifts in viewership.

Llamas, however, made notable progress in one crucial area: the 25-54 demographic, which is critical for advertisers. This demographic saw a modest increase in viewership, a key goal for Llamas when he took on the role. The increase suggests that Llamas may be starting to capture the attention of younger viewers, which is critical as television audiences continue to fragment.

The Ratings Battle: NBC Nightly News vs. ABC’s World News Tonight

While Llamas’ debut brought in solid numbers, NBC Nightly News still lags behind ABC’s World News Tonight, which consistently leads the evening news ratings. In June 2025, ABC’s flagship program averaged 7.308 million viewers, despite airing only 17 times due to the NBA playoffs. Comparatively, NBC Nightly News aired 23 times in June, making the ratings gap between the two shows even more significant.

The question now is whether Llamas can narrow this gap and challenge David Muir at World News Tonight for the top spot. While it’s still early in Llamas’ tenure, the trend shows that he has the potential to gain ground, especially as he finds his voice in the role and connects with audiences.

From ABC to NBC: Llamas’ Transition and What’s Next

Tom Llamas is no stranger to the television industry. Before joining NBC in 2021, he worked at ABC, where he gained prominence as a reporter and anchor. His experience covering breaking news and major events set him up for success as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News. Llamas has a reputation for being direct, reliable, and thoroughly informed, which is why he was tapped to take over such a pivotal role.

Since his first statement as anchor, Llamas has expressed his deep respect for Lester Holt and his admiration for Holt’s contributions to broadcast journalism. “I am incredibly honored to take over this role and continue the legacy that Lester built,” Llamas stated, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with anchoring a major news program.

The Road Ahead: Can Llamas Keep NBC Competitive?

Llamas’ first month on NBC Nightly News has shown promise, with encouraging signs in the younger demographic. But can he continue to build on this momentum and take the lead in evening news ratings? That remains to be seen.

NBC News is facing a challenging landscape, as cable news networks and streaming platforms continue to shift the media consumption habits of younger audiences. Llamas’ success will hinge on his ability to deliver timely, compelling news content while connecting with viewers in a way that resonates with them. His strong presence and credibility as a journalist suggest that he’s on the right track.

One of the most important aspects of Llamas’ strategy will be continuing to provide quality coverage of major events while also cultivating a distinct brand for the new NBC Nightly News. By offering unique segments and analysis, Llamas has the opportunity to carve out his own space within the crowded evening news arena.

Challenges and Opportunities for Llamas and NBC

As Llamas settles into his new role, it’s clear that he will face challenges from both within NBC and from external competitors like ABC and CNN. However, he also has a powerful platform from which to build a loyal viewership. His goal will be to maintain NBC’s reputation for hard-hitting journalism while expanding the reach of the program to younger generations.

As Llamas continues to take the reins at NBC Nightly News, many are watching closely to see if his approach can help the network reclaim the top spot in the ratings. With his background and dedication, Llamas could be the right leader to guide NBC News through a period of intense competition and industry shifts.

Conclusion: A New Era for NBC Nightly News?

Tom Llamas’ first month at the helm of NBC Nightly News was marked by both challenges and signs of hope. While the ratings show a slight dip, the increase in the 25-54 demo is a promising indicator for the future. Llamas’ ability to connect with younger audiences and his commitment to delivering thoughtful, incisive news will be key to his success in this new role.

As he continues to settle in, Llamas has the potential to reshape NBC Nightly News into a program that resonates with both loyal viewers and a new generation of news consumers. The battle for the top spot in evening news is far from over, but Tom Llamas’ presence at NBC could be the catalyst the network needs to return to its former glory. Stay tuned as his journey unfolds, and whether or not he can challenge David Muir for the top spot in primetime news ratings.