Mixed Signals from Semafor Media Andy Richter on Late Night’s decline, “Dancing With the Stars,” and new media
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Dec 12, 2025 
Join comedian Andy Richter, best known as Conan O’Brien's sidekick, in a hilarious and insightful chat about his three-decade career. Andy reflects on the decline of late-night shows as cultural staples and his adaptation to new media, notably gaining TikTok fame from 'Dancing With the Stars.' He discusses the challenges of Hollywood's evolving landscape, the disparity in pay between sitcoms and talk shows, and the fun of podcasting compared to traditional interviews. With candid humor, he shares his life, career highs, and the thrill of game shows.
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Warm Guests By Recording Early
- Start recordings the moment a guest walks in to capture authentic, warm conversation.
- Use unexpected, playful openings to disarm guests and spark real dialogue.
Talk Shows Favor Quick Laughs
- Talk-show interviews are compressed 'gas station food' compared with deeper conversations.
- Quick segments prioritize laughs over discovering real stories or follow-through.
Industry Contraction Pushed Creators Online
- Hollywood work has contracted due to strikes, vertical integration, and fewer outlets producing shows.
- That scarcity pushed many performers toward podcasting and alternative platforms.