CBS Announced cancellation of late-night comedy show “After Midnight” on Wednesday following host Taylor Tomlinson's unexpected decision to return to stand-up comedy full-time.
Cancellation marks yet another set-off for late-night television. This is a form that is increasingly challenged by financial pressures and changing viewer habits.
“After Midnight” aired at 12:30am Debuted in January 2024 As an experimental alternative to “The Late Late Show,” which ended when James Corden left CBS in 2023.
The network had previously committed to the third season of “After Midnight” scheduled for September-May, but reversed the decision when Tomlinson chose to leave. The final episode of the show will air in June.
Tomlinson, 31, said she intends to focus entirely on her “first passion,” the stand-up comedy.
Her departure was unexpected, prompting CBS executives to completely rethink their late-night strategy.
Stephen Colbert, who was executive producer of “Midnight After Midnight,” in addition to hosting “The Late Show,” worked with honor to Tomlinson's decision, saying, “While we are excited and grateful for the third season to begin in the fall, we respect Taylor's decision to return to stand-up full-time.”
Tomlinson is known for her keen wit and friendly humor, and is often portrayed from personal experiences in her routine.
She was recognized nationally through her Netflix special and late-night appearances, leading to a hosting role on the now-deprecated CBS show.
The CBS move effectively ends 30 years of 12:30 AM programming, a tradition that began with “The Late Late Show,” following its arrival from NBC in 1995.
Before establishing the original content at that time, networks generally filled the slots with repetitions of less-performing drama.
Cancellation highlights the broader challenges faced with late-night programming.
Audience size and advertising revenue are steadily declining as traditional television continues to lose ground based on streaming services.
Furthermore, streaming models prove inappropriate for traditional late-night formats that rely on topical humor and numerous episodes.
Platforms like Netflix and Hulu have launched similar talk show style programs, but have cancelled almost everything after a short run.
Late-night market shrinkage reflects changing attitudes among hosts. Rather than treating late-night gigs as a lifetime appointment, many hosts now prioritize flexibility and diverse career opportunities.
Trevor Noah voluntarily left the Daily Show in 2022, citing his desire to explore new ventures, while James Corden left the “Late Show” with similar ambitions.
Some former hosts have successfully migrated to the new format.
Previously on NBC and TBS, Conan O'Brien stimulated his career through podcasts, and later won the role of hosting this month's Academy Awards.
Once “Midnight After Mights” shuts down and CBS opts out of the late-night time slot, the network appears unlikely to revisit the format.
Instead, CBS is leaning even further towards alternatives that fit a change in audience patterns.
As late-night television continues to uncertainly, the network is increasingly reassessing the sustainability and future direction of the former staple food genre.
