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Bowen Yang Fights for Late-Night TV Survival
20 Feb
Summary
- Bowen Yang champions traditional late-night TV despite digital shift.
- Colbert's show cancellation and Kimmel's brief suspension raise concerns.
- New digital creators are redefining interview formats and late-night.
The landscape of late-night television appears to be undergoing a significant transformation, with comedian Bowen Yang emerging as a vocal advocate for its survival. Yang, known for his podcast "Las Culturistas" with Matt Rogers and a departure from "Saturday Night Live" during Season 51, believes traditional late-night shows are facing critical challenges.
The recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert's program, scheduled to end its run in 2026, and the temporary suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" last fall have fueled discussions about the future of the genre. Kimmel's show faced a suspension after controversial on-air comments, raising questions about the impact of such events.
While digital creators like Yang, Sean Evans of "Hot Ones," and Brittany Broski are redefining interview formats and drawing large online audiences, Yang insists on the importance of protecting classic late-night programming. He views the shifts affecting Colbert and Kimmel as "tragic" and indicative of broader financial and political pressures impacting television.
Yang's stance underscores a broader industry evolution, where new digital personalities are gaining prominence. However, he remains a staunch supporter of established late-night television, emphasizing its continued relevance and the need for its preservation amidst these changing times.
