It’s no surprise that our TV consumption habits have shifted dramatically. Audiences are migrating toward streaming platforms, leaving behind live television. Except for major events such as sports broadcasts or award shows, viewers rarely turn on the TV just to see what’s on. This trend has severely impacted long-standing formats like late night shows.
Late night programs, once staples of entertainment, are now consumed in short clips on YouTube or social media. But networks can’t monetize these highlights the same way, making it harder to attract advertisers. This decline has led to several cancellations, including Stephen Colbert’s show, one of the last leaders in its time slot.
While declining ratings and changing habits explain part of the situation, many suspect politics is the real driving force. Colbert’s network, Paramount, was recently in talks for a sale to Skydance—a deal that partially depended on Donald Trump’s approval. And Trump has long been at odds with late-night hosts who criticize him.
A President Shaping Television
Stephen Colbert is well-known for his sharp political humor, often targeting Trump. When his program was canceled, speculation quickly arose that Paramount acted to appease the former president. Trump himself celebrated the news, further fueling suspicions of political interference.
Jimmy Kimmel has now become the latest casualty. His program was suspended indefinitely after remarks about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, who was recently shot in an incident that Republicans framed as a left-wing attack—despite the shooter being from their own side.
Kimmel called out this hypocrisy, but his comments were twisted to appear as though he celebrated Kirk’s death. Without waiting for clarification, Disney-owned ABC abruptly suspended the show. Trump once again applauded the move, calling for the cancellation of other hosts such as Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon—even though he had previously appeared on Fallon’s program.
While late-night shows already face declining relevance, their accelerated downfall clearly carries political undertones.
