Late-night host Conan O'Brien expresses concerns about the state of late-night talks, but commends Stephen Colbert for his exceptional work.
Conan O'Brien Predicts a Grim Future for Traditional Late-Night TV
Conan O'Brien, along with Viola Davis, Don Mischer, Ryan Murphy, Mike Post, and Henry Winkler, was honoured at the Television Academy Hall of Fame over the weekend. During his acceptance speech, O'Brien shared his thoughts on the future of late-night television.
O'Brien expressed a sober view on the future of traditional late-night TV, as we've known it since the 1950s. He believes that the shift in how audiences consume content, with viewers increasingly watching clips on various platforms rather than tuning in live after broadcasts, is causing the classic late-night format to become obsolete.
However, O'Brien remains hopeful about the potential for hosts like his friend Stephen Colbert to innovate and shine in new, controlled formats outside conventional TV. He praised Colbert, stating that he will evolve and thrive by fully controlling his new format, adapting successfully to this changing environment.
Despite the shift to streaming, O'Brien did not express concern about the future of television. Instead, he emphasised the importance of content quality. He stated that the connection, talent, and ideas in television are not changing fundamentally, despite the shift to streaming.
The announcement of the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" was made by CBS in May 2026. The timing of the announcement has raised questions, as it was made before the federal regulators approved the sale of Paramount, the parent company of CBS. CBS cited financial reasons for the cancellation.
O'Brien used a metaphor to describe technology's potential to change the format of television, comparing it to making television shows into high-protein, chewable capsules. This suggests that he views technology as a tool that can change the format of television, but not its essence.
In his remarks, O'Brien also highlighted the seismic change that the current state of television is undergoing. He did not express concern about the future of television but rather spoke about the importance of focusing on the stories, performances, and people behind the content.
Conan O'Brien received the TV Academy Hall of Fame award for his contributions to the television industry. His remarks serve as a reminder that despite the changing landscape of television, the focus should always be on the content and the talented individuals who create it.
- Conan O'Brien believes that the shift in audience consumption habits, with viewers preferring clips on various platforms over live broadcasts, is causing traditional late-night entertainment to become outdated.
- Despite the changing landscape of television, Conan O'Brien emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focus on the quality of content, the connection it provides, and the talented individuals who create it.
