Late Night TV Faces Big Change

OBrien argues the traditional late night format is fading while talent like Colbert may reinvent themselves elsewhere.

Conan OBrien Says Late Night TV Is Doomed

Conan OBrien told attendees at the Television Academy Hall of Fame ceremony that late night television as it exists today is headed for disappearance. The moment came as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame and reflected on how the industry has evolved since the 1950s.

The remarks come after executives cited changing viewer habits and declining advertising revenue as the reasons for ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, with a final episode expected in May. OBrien noted that while the form may crumble, the best voices in the business will continue to adapt rather than disappear. He also highlighted his own path after leaving late night in 2021, including a popular podcast that has attracted hundreds of millions of downloads in recent years.

The piece frames a pivotal moment for television as a long standing format faces disruption from new platforms. It underscores a tension between legacy brands and digital experimentation, suggesting that success now requires flexibility and control over one’s own format. The discussion also spotlights industry pressures such as audience fragmentation and evolving monetization models that press networks to rethink how they present talk and humor to the public.

Beyond the headlines, the article hints at a broader shift in how creators reach audiences. Veterans may pivot to independent ventures like podcasts or digital series, while networks rely on marquee names to anchor brands even as they embrace shorter and more varied formats. The result could be a more dynamic but less predictable landscape for talent, workers, and investors alike.

Highlights

Audiences move, formats follow.