Lorne Michaels Confirms stability for Fallon and Meyers Amid Late-Night Shakeup
New York, NY – August 23, 2025 – Entertainment industry titan lorne Michaels has publicly addressed concerns regarding the future of NBC’s late-night programming following CBS’s recent decision to cancel “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in May 2026. Michaels,the executive producer of both “The tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” expressed confidence in the continued success and security of both programs.
CBS Cancels Colbert, Sparks Industry Debate
The cancellation of stephen Colbert’s long-running program sent shockwaves through the media landscape. CBS cited financial considerations as the primary driver behind the decision,though speculation arose regarding potential political motivations. Michaels acknowledged being “just stunned” by the declaration,according to an interview with Puck News’ Matt belloni. Liberal commentators suggested the move was influenced by former President Donald Trump,a claim CBS refuted.
The decision comes as the late-night television format faces evolving viewership habits. Increasingly, audiences are consuming short-form content online rather then tuning in for conventional broadcasts. Michaels highlighted Jimmy Fallon’s success in adapting to this shift, noting his ability to create content “you can watch all day.”
Did You Know? The late-night television market has seen a meaningful decline in linear viewership over the past decade, with digital platforms becoming increasingly dominant (Nielsen, 2024).
Michaels Assures NBC’s late-Night Hosts
When questioned about the security of Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers’ positions at NBC, Michaels offered a firm reassurance. He stated that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, whom he described as a man of “integrity,” has affirmed the network’s commitment to both shows. both Fallon and Meyers’ contracts are set to expire in 2028.
“Yes,” Michaels responded to Belloni’s direct inquiry. “I think [Comcast CEO] Brian Roberts…has integrity. But at the same time,everyone has [broadcast] licenses…But I really don’t believe that we affect things.”
Trump’s Influence and Political Comedy
Michaels also weighed in on the potential impact of political pressures on late-night comedy.He suggested that direct criticism of former President Trump may be ineffective, stating, “Whatever crimes Trump is committing, he’s doing it in broad daylight…denouncing [him] doesn’t work.” He acknowledged Trump’s powerful ability to command media attention and engage an audience.
Pro Tip: Adapting to changing media consumption habits is crucial for the survival of traditional television formats. Focusing on creating shareable, digital-kind content can broaden reach and maintain relevance.
Michaels further dismissed concerns that the recent settlements between Paramount and Disney with Donald Trump over defamation lawsuits would stifle political comedy.
‘SNL’ Shake-Up on the Horizon
In addition to addressing the broader late-night landscape, Michaels revealed that the 51st season of “Saturday Night Live” will feature a cast shake-up. Though, he confirmed that James Austin Johnson will continue his popular impersonation of Donald Trump on the show.
| Show | Host | Network | Contract Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Tonight show Starring Jimmy Fallon | jimmy Fallon | NBC | 2028 |
| Late Night with Seth Meyers | Seth Meyers | NBC | 2028 |
| The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Stephen Colbert | CBS | May 2026 (Cancellation Date) |
What challenges do late-night shows face in attracting younger audiences? How can they leverage digital platforms to remain competitive?
The Evolving Landscape of Late-Night Television
The late-night television format, once a cornerstone of American entertainment, is undergoing a period of significant transformation. The rise of streaming services, social media, and on-demand content has fragmented audiences and challenged the traditional broadcast model. Shows are increasingly reliant on viral clips and digital engagement to maintain relevance.The financial pressures facing networks, as evidenced by CBS’s decision regarding “The Late Show,” underscore the need for innovation and adaptation. The success of shows like “SNL” hinges on their ability to remain culturally relevant and attract a diverse audience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Late-Night Television
- What is causing the decline in late-night television viewership? The shift towards streaming services and on-demand content, coupled with changing audience preferences, is driving the decline.
- Is political comedy still viable in the current media climate? Lorne michaels believes it is, but suggests direct criticism may not be the most effective approach.
- What is Lorne Michaels’ role in the future of NBC’s late-night shows? he serves as the executive producer of both ”The Tonight Show” and “Late Night” and has assured their stability.
- What impact will the cancellation of “The Late Show” have on the industry? It signals a potential shift in network priorities and a greater emphasis on financial performance.
- Will “Saturday Night Live” continue to feature political impressions? Yes, James Austin Johnson will continue to impersonate Donald Trump.
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