Channels with Peter Kafka The Future of Late Night TV, Jimmy Kimmel, and The First Amendment
20 snips
Sep 24, 2025 James Poniewozik, television critic for The New York Times and author of 'Audience of One,' dives into the fascinating intersection of late night TV and politics. He reflects on Jimmy Kimmel's recent return and how it symbolizes shifting viewer habits. The discussion highlights Trump's role as a TV character and how his threats towards media can affect free speech. James analyzes the future of late night, pondering its relevance in a rapidly changing landscape, where online clips overshadow traditional broadcasts.
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Late Night Lives In Clips
- Most viewers watch late-night clips online rather than tuning in live.
- James Poniewozik says this shift has eroded traditional late-night ratings and ad revenue.
Kimmel's Earnest Return
- Poniewozik describes Kimmel's monologue as neither apologetic nor belligerent.
- He highlights Kimmel's genuine emotional moments and weepiness about personal topics.
Litigation As A Political Tool
- Trump often uses lawsuits and public pressure as ongoing tactics regardless of outcomes.
- Poniewozik warns settlements rarely stop him and can signal future legal threats.
