Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fewer Music Acts on Late Shows Means Less Exposure
Fewer Music Acts on Late Shows Means Less Exposure
6 Feb
Summary
- Late-night TV shows are reducing music performances significantly.
- This change limits artists' national exposure outside social media.
- Costs for performances can range from $150,000 to $700,000.
The landscape for musical artists seeking national exposure through late-night television has dramatically shifted, with several prominent shows significantly reducing their musical performances. As of early 2026, shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night With Seth Meyers, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert have either cut or will eliminate their music segments, leaving The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live! as the primary remaining platforms.
This reduction presents a substantial challenge for artists and their management, diminishing opportunities to connect with a wide audience beyond social media and radio. Historically, late-night appearances could launch careers, but declining viewership on these shows, from millions in the 2000s to around 1.2 to 2.5 million in 2025, lessens their impact. Furthermore, artists often bear significant costs, including travel and production, with expenses potentially reaching up to $700,000 for SNL performances.
Factors such as longer monologues, increased guest segments driven by movie promotions, and pressure on shows to cover performance costs may be influencing these cutbacks. While some performances still yield significant results, like October London's appearance boosting ticket sales, the overall trend indicates a more cautious booking approach, potentially favoring only top-charting artists.
