The final edition of Stephen Colbert's The Late Show has aired, bringing an end to a CBS franchise that began with David Letterman in 1993. The departure leaves the remaining late-night hosts pondering the future of a format that has been a staple of American television for decades.
The Shrinking Landscape of Late-Night Television
Not long ago, the so-called "Strike Force Five" — Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver — represented the pinnacle of late-night talk shows. However, Oliver's show airs weekly on HBO, a model that seems more sustainable than the nightly network grind. With Colbert's exit, only three major network hosts remain: Fallon, Kimmel, and Meyers. The reduction reflects broader changes in viewership habits, as audiences increasingly consume content on-demand via streaming platforms.
Colbert's show was the highest-rated among its peers, yet CBS decided not to renew it, citing high production costs. Despite its popularity, the network claimed the program was not profitable. This underscores the economic challenges facing traditional late-night television, which once generated substantial revenue through advertising but now competes with a multitude of digital alternatives.
The Role of Saturday Night Live
NBC's Saturday Night Live remains a notable exception to the trend. Its live broadcast, sketch comedy format, and event status have helped it maintain relevance. However, even SNL faces pressure to justify its budget, with periodic discussions about potential cost-cutting measures. The show's ability to adapt to a YouTube-friendly environment has also contributed to its longevity.
In Colbert's finale, the Strike Force Five joked about a "sucking CG void" representing cancellation, warning that similar fates could await their shows. This highlights the precarious nature of the genre.
What Replaces The Late Show?
Rather than hiring a new host, CBS has sold the time slot to media entrepreneur Byron Allen through a "time buy" arrangement. Allen will air Comics Unleashed, a low-budget show featuring lesser-known comedians performing seated routines. This move has been criticized as a step backward, reminiscent of the kind of filler programming that once aired in the wee hours.
The decision raises questions about the value networks place on flagship late-night shows. While prestige series and comedies migrate to streaming, institution like nightly news and talk shows serve as anchors for broadcast television. Their decline could leave networks resembling "vacant lots" in a media landscape dominated by on-demand services.
Opportunities for Creative Talent
There may be a silver lining for talented hosts like Colbert and Conan O'Brien, who previously helmed late-night shows. Freed from the demands of nightly hosting, they can pursue other creative projects. Colbert, for instance, has a background in satire as co-creator of Strangers With Candy and star of The Colbert Report. He is reportedly involved in a Lord of the Rings project. O'Brien, who wrote for SNL and The Simpsons, could create new series or films.
Examples like Tina Fey, who has produced multiple successful shows without hosting a talk show, suggest that the late-night format may not be the only path for comedic talent. The end of an era could spark innovation in comedy and variety programming.
The Future of the Format
The decline of network late-night shows may be a natural correction after the boom of the 1980s and 1990s. However, the loss of format-breaking hosts like Craig Ferguson and Conan O'Brien suggests that traditionalism is winning out. With fewer options, the remaining shows may become more homogenized.
Ultimately, the fate of late-night television depends on whether networks and creators can adapt to changing viewer habits. If the current trend continues, the genre may become a relic, replaced by on-demand content that offers more flexibility and variety.
