Late-night shows are television programs typically aired after 11:00 p.m., characterized by a mix of comedy monologues, celebrity interviews, sketches, and musical performances. In the United States, they are a popular entertainment format, usually broadcast on major networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC.
Popular Late-Night Shows
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (NBC)
- The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
- Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)
- Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO)
These shows have hosts who play a significant role in shaping the style and tone. The format was popularized by Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show. Late- night shows mix humor, current events, and celebrity culture, often airing Monday through Friday at around 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Late-Night Show Landscape Today
The late-night show format has faced challenges such as audience fragmentation, high production costs, and changing viewer habits with streaming and on-demand content. Some shows have been canceled recently due to profitability concerns despite strong viewership, indicating a shift in the television landscape for this genre.
When Do They Air?
Late-night shows typically air after the local news at around 11:35 p.m. and run for around 60 minutes. Some shows air even later, into the early morning hours. They usually have a regular weekly schedule on weekdays.
Summary
Late-night shows remain a significant cultural and entertainment staple primarily in the US, mixing comedy, politics, and celebrity interviews in a late evening TV slot. This provides a general overview of late-night shows, their format, examples, relevance, and scheduling.
