Late-Night TV Faces Uncertain Future Amid Shifting Media Landscape

The End of an Era?

The landscape of late-night television could be undergoing a profound transformation, with the future of iconic talk shows hanging in the balance. The traditional format that once cemented comedians like Jimmy Fallon and James Corden as household names might be dwindling. The increasing popularity of alternative media platforms is significantly impacting the genre.

Cancellations and Changes

The cancellation of The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2023 marked a pivotal moment. The decision to forgo a replacement highlighted a growing trend. While the show After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, did receive a third season greenlight, it was ultimately cancelled when the host left the show.

Veteran Hosts Weigh In

Many veteran hosts are pondering if they represent the final generation of their kind. Jimmy Kimmel recently suggested he might retire. He is contemplating new projects, and he believes that the sun is setting on late-night talk shows as a medium. Seth Meyers agrees with this sentiment.

“Unless some major sea change happens, I don’t think there’s going to be a whole new wave of network hosts, in the way there always has been. Nobody understands this business and this format better than Jimmy Kimmel, so when he talks about it, I tend to share his opinion. I feel very fortunate about when I got in – both at ‘SNL’ and with ‘Late Night.’ But it does bum me out that other people won’t have exactly this opportunity. Then again, when you think about podcasts, they have just as big of a reach as we ever had. Interesting voices are always going to use the technologies they have at hand to find an audience. So, if you’re a great lover of the institution of late-night talk shows, there’s probably some sadness in your future. But if you love funny people telling funny jokes and talking to people in interesting ways, that’s always going to be available.”

—Seth Meyers

Even Stephen Colbert, despite high ratings, acknowledges the shifting tide. The trend toward podcasts and alternative media has made it harder for traditional talk shows to hold their audience. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, podcast listenership has increased by 15% in the last five years (Pew Research).

Podcasts and the New Media Landscape

Podcasts have exploded in popularity, attracting comedians, actors, and even politicians. Conan O’Brien has found success with his podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, which led to his Max travel series. Seth Meyers also plugs his podcast, Family Trips, on every episode of Late Night, highlighting the shift toward this format.

Changing Guest Appearances

Guests are increasingly choosing podcasts over talk shows, especially politicians. The relaxed format of podcasts offers guests more time to speak. Podcasts like Drink Champs provide listeners with extended conversations.

If The Kelly Clarkson Show is canceled, as rumored, this network response will give additional insight. Fans may want to appreciate Late Night With Seth Meyers and Jimmy Kimmel Live! while they can.