Conan O’Brien Discusses the Future of Late-Night TV
Conan O’Brien recently expressed his thoughts on the state of late-night television, suggesting that the genre as we know it is fading away. However, he believes that Stephen Colbert remains a vital figure in this changing landscape.
O’Brien made these comments while attending the Television Academy Hall of Fame, where he, alongside Viola Davis, Henry Winkler, Ryan Murphy, Mike Post, and Don Mischer, received honors. While accepting his award, he remarked, “It’s a lifetime honor. It means everything to me. I’m amazed to be in this company. I don’t think I deserve it, but I’ll take it.”
Addressing the significant shifts happening in the television world, O’Brien noted the widespread anxiety about the future. He described the industry as experiencing “earthquake changes” and admitted to mourning what has been lost in the transition. Even though he acknowledged that streaming is altering traditional pathways, he retains hope for the genuine connections and creativity that still reach audiences.
He agreed that late-night television, in its classic form, is coming to an end yet emphasized that the talent, including figures like Colbert, remains. “It’s all moving towards a new generation of viewers. Yes, as you know it since around 1950, late-night television is going away. But those voices won’t disappear. People like Stephen Colbert are talented and too essential to walk away,” he asserted.
Even in light of Colbert’s declining ratings and substantial losses for CBS, O’Brien seems optimistic about Colbert’s future, suggesting that he will “evolve and shine more than ever” in a new format that he can fully control. He also playfully commented on the potential for technology to reshape television, saying it could turn shows into something as simple as a chewable capsule, but ultimately, the essence of the performance remains crucial.
Colbert recently faced financial challenges after CBS reportedly lost over $40 million per year during his tenure, which has accumulated to significant losses over the past decade.
