The narrative about late-night TV often suggests it belongs to a bygone era or older generations. However, 2024 has been a year filled with both positive and negative developments in late-night shows. From the loss of bands and show nights to the return of icons and the emergence of new formats, late-night TV continues to make its mark in the cultural landscape.

Late-Night TV's 2024: A Year of Contrasts and Continuity

Linear vs. Digital: The Divide in Late-Night TV

In public consciousness and media coverage, late-night TV is often neatly divided between linear (doom) and digital (boom). But late-night shows manage to occupy a steady and compelling presence in both camps. Seth Meyers losing his band and Jimmy Fallon losing a night of the week show the eroding financial foundation. Yet, both NBC shows have celebrated 10 years on the air and have long-term deals in place. This shows the resilience of late-night TV in the face of change.Even with these changes, late-night shows keep making noise in the culture. The act of continuing is not always cause for celebration, but the art of the comeback often is. Jon Stewart's return to "The Daily Show" in February was a major event, elevating interest in the show. His decision to continue through 2025 serves as a reminder of the show's enduring appeal.

New Shows and Formats in Late-Night TV

CBS took a different approach after James Corden left "The Late Late Show" by trying a new joke-centric game competition, "After Midnight." It took time to establish itself, but with a promising host like Taylor Tomlinson and a focus on her nightly monologue, it found its footing and was renewed.John Mulaney also made an impact with his raw but riveting Netflix week-long series, "Everybody's In LA." It looked and quacked like a late-night show, and he is set to do more in the "talk" area code for Netflix in 2025.Even sports is getting involved with ESPN launching its own late-night entertainment series with Jason Kelce. Kelce promises to bring traditional elements like a monologue and his experience in snapping is closer to comedy. Scheduling the show behind big sports events could pay off.

Live Events and Ratings Boost for Late-Night TV

Late-night shows often get a ratings boost when scheduled after special events like debates, convention speeches, and election night. "Saturday Night Live" raced towards its 50th anniversary with a magic carpet of attention and nostalgia. Jimmy Kimmel's hosting turn at the Oscars also received great reviews and a ratings boost.This shows the power of live performances in late-night TV and how it can attract attention and elevate ratings. Hiring a great late-night host like Kimmel can lead to great hosting jobs and success for the show.

Donald Trump and the Challenges for Late-Night TV

Donald Trump's constant outrageousness and ridiculousness present a blessing and curse for nightly comedy. Late-night hosts will face another crisis in January, aware that they will be tweaking the ogre who can stomp on their villages. But they are getting used to it.Despite the challenges, late-night TV continues to thrive and make an impact in the cultural conversation. It shows the enduring power and relevance of late-night shows in today's media landscape.