End of an Era in Late-Night Comedy

This year marked a significant shift in late-night comedy, signaling the decline of traditional broadcast networks. CBS announced it would offer “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” just one more season. Back in the Johnny Carson days, his show was a staple of television. Nowadays, it seems comedians mostly cater to progressive audiences, almost serving as a form of group therapy.

The re-election of Donald Trump indicated that the relentless mockery aimed at him wouldn’t necessarily hinder his chances. Still, some liberal commentators continue to view comedians as vital players in democracy. For instance, on ABC’s “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin passionately argued that CBS’s decision to end Colbert’s show was not about finances, as claimed. “This is the dismantling of our democracy. This is the dismantling of our Constitution,” she asserted. This marked a departure from the traditional belief that liberals “speak truth to power.” Yet, even when the election results favor one side, there’s often a reticence to speak openly about the failings of leaders—like when the cognitive issues of President Joe Biden were largely overlooked.

Looking back, the late-night comedians had some troubling highlight moments. Jon Stewart, for example, ridiculed capitalism during a February segment on “The Daily Show,” stating, “Capitalism is exploitative by definition. That’s just how it works. It’s fine, but the government must soften the blow of that exploitation on citizens, rather than fund it.” His comments struck a nerve, showcasing how politics can veer into absurdity.

Then there’s John Oliver, who didn’t hold back regarding former President Ronald Reagan. He remarked that while some might say nice things about Reagan, like his unique film credits, his record is surprising to someone who lived through the 1980s as a gay man. It’s a wild thought—if Reagan were alive today and heard some of the racial slurs from Trump in just a few months, his reaction might just send him back into an early grave.

Late-night hosts have become rather adept at addressing political happenings. For instance, after Trump took the reins at the Kennedy Center, Nathan Lane humorously skewered what Trump’s presidency might produce. “Tomorrow night, think about a youth choir entirely made up of Elon Musk’s kids,” he joked, suggesting extreme scenarios that show the absurdity some feel about the current political climate.

Trump’s re-election seems to have left a bitter taste for many. British actor Alan Cumming expressed this vividly on Jimmy Kimmel’s show, asking, “How are you doing, America? Aside from the reintroduction of concentration camps and denying health care to millions for tax cuts to the wealthy, how are you doing?” It’s this stark commentary that reflects the emotional toll of political events.

Maybe this explains the declining ratings of these late-night shows. It seems you need a specific mindset to end your night with their rants. NewsBusters reported that a staggering 92% of political jokes on late-night television target conservatives, an increase from 82% the previous year. Guests have leaned significantly left, with 99% of appearances being liberal voices versus just a couple of conservatives. The dialogue between Jimmy Fallon and Greg Gutfeld stood out as an anomaly.

One of the most notable low points was Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial comments following an incident involving Charlie Kirk’s assassination suspect. He claimed there was a desperate effort from certain groups to downplay the suspect’s ties, which seemed especially inappropriate in a moment meant for mourning. Following that, ABC chose to pull Kimmel’s show temporarily due to backlash from affiliates. Yet, media outlets like CNN voiced strong objections, with Jake Tapper calling it a severe free speech violation.

Kimmel wrapped up the year accepting an award for his “Alternative Christmas Message” on Britain’s Channel 4. He joined Cumming in calling America a “righteous mess,” indicating that democracy feels precarious. “We’re not smart. We Americans are often the last to catch on, but maybe we’ll figure it out in the end…give us three years,” he quipped.

ABC appears hesitant in its support, extending Kimmel’s contract for only one year, likely weighing the financial impact of his controversial takes. It seems Kimmel is more focused on niche audiences than mainstream broadcasting, allowing him to continue critiquing Colbert without concern for broader appeal.