Late-Night TV Shake-Up: What's Next for Comedy Shows?

Late-night TV is going through big changes. CBS recently decided to end its long-running "Late Show" with Stephen Colbert. This isn't just about one show; it's part of a bigger trend. TV networks are cutting costs and changing how they do late-night programming. Advertisers are spending less on late-night shows. In 2018, they spent around $439 million on five major late-night shows. By 2024, that number dropped to $220. 6 million. This drop is due to several factors. The coronavirus pandemic and a Hollywood labor strike forced shows to cut production. Also, younger viewers are watching clips online instead of tuning in live. CBS has been worried about these changes for a while. They didn't want to force Colbert to take a pay cut or reduce his staff. But the decline in ad support made it hard to keep things going. Colbert's show was one of the most-watched late-night programs. It had been a big deal since David Letterman started it in 1993. Colbert's humor, which often targets President Donald Trump and Republicans, has raised some concerns. CBS has been sensitive about this, especially after settling a legal case with Trump. There are also worries about Skydance Media, which is expected to acquire Paramount. Skydance might have different political views. CBS had to make a tough decision. They couldn't wait until the next TV season because writers and producers sign one-year deals. They knew the news would leak quickly, so they had to act fast. Colbert and his staff will stay on air for another ten months. This shows that both sides still have a good relationship. Losing "Late Show" will be a big loss for CBS. It's a signature program that drives regular viewership and captures a lot of ad dollars. But NBC still captures the majority of late-night ad dollars. Some advertisers prefer to avoid Colbert's show because of his commentary. Other late-night hosts are also facing changes. Jon Stewart is on a year-to-year contract, and it's up to Skydance to decide what to do with "The Daily Show. " Fallon and Meyers have deals that keep them at NBC through 2028. Kimmel has a deal that keeps him at ABC through 2026. He might be closer to the end of his late-night tenure. Late-night TV has changed a lot over the years. Hosts now do more than just entertain. They also do social media, outside programs, and promotional deals. They comment on a news cycle that's getting more intense. With all these changes, the future of late-night TV is uncertain.