Late-night TV faces a big change

Conan OBrien reflects on the future of late-night TV and predicts Stephen Colbert will flourish in a new, self-directed format.

Conan OBrien predicts end of late-night TV and sees Colbert thriving in new format

Conan OBrien spoke at the Television Academy Hall of Fame induction, saying late-night television as we know it is dying, but the voices behind it will live on. He predicts Stephen Colbert will evolve and shine brighter in a format Colbert will control. The remarks come as CBS has announced The Late Show will be canceled in May 2026, with no replacement host named. The contrast with Fox News host Greg Gutfeld’s current ratings, which eclipsed Colbert’s through July 2025, underscores a shifting audience. The show reportedly cost CBS about $40 million per year, while rivals like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon trail in viewership.

The second part of the discussion centers on adaptability. OBrien argues technology cannot erase strong storytelling or honest performances, a belief he ties to the courage and goodwill of creators. The piece notes that while some supporters contend Colbert’s cancellation reflects political pressures linked to Paramount’s broader business moves, CBS credits ongoing financial losses and a lightening of linear viewing as the drivers of change. The broader context is a media landscape where streaming and new formats are reshaping how talent engages audiences, even as talk shows try to reinvent themselves beyond the traditional studio.

This analysis sees the piece as a window into how the TV talk show model is being tested by economics and technology. It frames personal talent and bold formats as possible adaptors, not victims, of disruption. The emphasis on Colbert’s potential move to a self-directed format highlights a wider industry trend toward creator-driven platforms and ownership. Yet the discussion around politics and a high-profile settlement adds a layer of controversy that could influence public perception and investor confidence. The real question is whether a new format can sustain the cultural role late-night hosts have played while delivering a financially viable product in a streaming-first era.

The article also hints at a broader debate about the relationship between media power and political influence. If studios justify cancellations with costs, it raises questions about the future of opinion-driven programming in a landscape where audiences reward authenticity and flexibility. The coming years will test whether talent can outlast the studios by embracing formats that travel beyond the traditional broadcast slot.

Highlights

The landscape will keep changing, and the next act may defy today’s expectations.