Plain English with Derek Thompson The Demise of Late-Night TV Is an Omen for American Culture
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Jul 23, 2025 
Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg reporter and regular commentator on The Town Podcast, dives deep into the shifting landscape of late-night television and comedy. He discusses the recent cancellation of 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' and its implications for the industry. Shaw highlights the decline of adult comedies and the retreat of sitcoms, suggesting that comedians are increasingly opting for solo platforms. As traditional formats wane, he argues that a new era of personalized entertainment is emerging, reflecting broader cultural changes.
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Shift: Institutions to Individuals
- The demise of adult comedy and late-night shows reflects a cultural shift from institutions to individuals.
- Comedians now often find fame independently, without relying on large organizations.
Economic Reasons Behind Cancellation
- CBS canceled The Late Show due to significant financial losses, not political reasons.
- The show's high costs and declining ratings make it economically unsustainable.
Costs and Revenue Shifts in Late Night
- High production costs of late-night shows are driven by large staffs and high salaries.
- Moving audiences from live TV to digital platforms decreases revenue per viewer.
