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CBS Pulls the Plug on “After Midnight” Amid Host Taylor Tomlinson’s Exit
In a shifting landscape for late-night television, CBS has announced the cancellation of its comedy program “After Midnight” following host Taylor Tomlinson’s decision to return to full-time stand-up comedy. The network’s announcement on Wednesday signals another challenge for the late-night TV format, which faces increasing economic pressures and evolving audience preferences. This cancellation underscores the ongoing transformation within the broadcast industry as networks grapple with changing consumption patterns.
Sudden Host Departure Prompts Program’s End
“After Midnight,” a program airing at 12:30 a.m. Eastern, premiered in January 2024 as an experimental successor to “The Late Late Show,” which concluded when James Corden departed CBS in 2023. Despite a prior commitment to a third season originally slated to run from September through May, CBS reversed course after Tomlinson opted to leave the show. The final broadcast is scheduled for June.
Tomlinson Returns to Stand-Up Roots
Tomlinson, aged 31, expressed her intention to dedicate herself fully to stand-up comedy, describing it as her “first passion.” Her unexpected departure led CBS executives to re-evaluate their overall late-night programming approach.
Executive Producer Stephen Colbert Reacts
Stephen Colbert, executive producer of “After Midnight” and host of “The Late Show,” acknowledged Tomlinson’s choice with understanding. “While we were enthusiastic about the prospect of our third season starting this fall, we respect Taylor’s decision to return to stand-up full time,” Colbert stated.
Tomlinson’s Rise in Comedy
Tomlinson is recognized for her остроумный humor and relatable comedic style, frequently drawing inspiration from her personal life in her routines. She achieved national prominence through her Netflix comedy specials and appearances on late-night programs, ultimately leading to her role as host of the now-canceled CBS program.
End of an Era for CBS Late-Night
CBS’s action effectively concludes three decades of original programming in the 12:30 a.m. timeslot, a tradition initiated in 1995 with the debut of “The Late Late Show” following David Letterman’s move from NBC. Before establishing original content at this hour, the network typically broadcast reruns of less successful drama series.
Broader Challenges for Late-Night TV
The cancellation highlights the wider difficulties confronting late-night programming in general. As conventional television viewership diminishes due to the rise of streaming services, audience numbers and advertising revenue have steadily decreased.
Streaming Model Incompatibility
Furthermore, the streaming model has proven to be a poor fit for conventional late-night formats, which rely on timely humor and frequent episode production. While platforms such as Netflix and Hulu have experimented with similar talk-show formats, almost all have been discontinued after short periods.
Shifting Host Priorities
The contracting late-night landscape also reflects evolving attitudes among hosts themselves. Many hosts now prioritize career flexibility and diverse opportunities rather than viewing late-night positions as permanent roles.
Trevor Noah voluntarily departed “The Daily Show” in 2022, citing a desire to pursue new projects, mirroring James Corden’s motivations for leaving “The Late Late Show.”
Hosts Finding Success in New Formats
Some former late-night hosts have successfully transitioned to alternative formats. Conan O’Brien, previously with NBC and TBS, revitalized his career through podcasting, which subsequently led to his role as host for this year’s Academy Awards.
CBS Reconsiders Late-Night Strategy
With “After Midnight” ending and CBS withdrawing from the 12:30 a.m. timeslot, the network appears less inclined to revisit this format in the near future.
Focus on Alternative Programming
Instead, CBS may increasingly invest in alternative programming options that are better suited to contemporary viewer patterns. As late-night television faces continued uncertainty, networks are increasingly re-evaluating the long-term viability and future direction of this once-dominant genre.