entertainment
The show might go on: what happens to late-night TV without Stephen Colbert?
The end of The Late Show, an American institution since 1993, leaves those still surviving within the format wondering what the future looks like
TL;DR
- The number of major late-night talk shows is decreasing, with Stephen Colbert's exit from The Late Show being a notable event.
- Changing audience habits, where viewers consume content on demand, contribute to the decline of traditional late-night formats.
- Despite high costs, late-night shows were once significant revenue generators, a stark contrast to the current economy of television.
- Saturday Night Live remains relevant due to its sketch-variety format and live broadcast status, offering content distinct from talk shows.
- The potential retirement of SNL's Lorne Michaels also raises questions about the show's future profitability and production.
- Format-breaking shows have often been the first to be canceled, suggesting a trend towards traditionalism in the remaining late-night slots.
- The CBS Late Show time slot is not being used for a new host but has been 'time bought' by Byron Allen for his show 'Comics Unleashed'.
- The article suggests that talented hosts and writers like Colbert and Conan O'Brien might find more creative freedom in producing content outside of the traditional late-night format.
- The potential loss of these network standbys is framed as a loss of cultural 'recipes' for creating television.