Drifting off -- U.S. late night talk shows no longer must-see TV

Johnny Carson was the best.

Late Night became Far-Left Only and lost the larger half of the former audience.

Drifting off -- U.S. late night talk shows no longer must-see TV

For the rest of the world they never were. Just like SNL, it's an American thing.

And the Brits do talk shows much better.

It’s a well known fact that the way we consume and access information and entertainment has been changing—

TV (especially if/when you wanna make yourself heard) is slowly becoming a thing of the past—this is especially true when it comes to late night talk shows;

I used to watch these shows growing up in the late 90’s/early 00’s, but not anymore—

one of the reasons is because most hosts (and their guests) have become extremely political and try to tell people how they should think, lecture other people and claim the moral high ground (this trend became more pronounced after Trump ran for President—late night hosts are part of a group of people who are easily influenced by the machine aka the establishment, and let’s put it this way—things started to get serious when Trump started winning in the polls);

…

( Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert are unbearable to watch,

John Oliver is a puppet from the UK who is not as special as he think he is,

Jimmy Fallon is not that funny and is known for being fake and cringe,

Conan stopped being funny,

Jay Leno and David Letterman have retired,

James Corden (he’s easily swayed by certain rethoric but he’s a likable, funny guy) wants to take a break and spend time with his family in the UK;

I was a fan of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and I can still listen to him occasionally (he recently returned to the show but he doesn’t do it every day); I don’t agree with some things he says but he’s intelligent, also likable, and has the ability to listen, which is very important these days;

Bill Maher is an interesting character, he makes a lot of great points and is not as annoying as Kimmel and Colbert… )

…

[ "The Joe Rogan Experience," the most downloaded podcast in the world … ]

A perfect example of what the future will be like; just yesterday, Donald Trump reached millions of people just by talking to this guy (the video on YT is on its way to 20 million views in 24 hours and I thought it was interesting how AP phrased one of their headlines yesterday: “Trump leaves Michigan rallygoers waiting in the cold for hours to tape Joe Rogan podcast”—I mean, it’s not like the man committed a crime, lol, and as everyone can see, Joe Rogan was an understandable reason for Trump’s delay)

and it was brilliant—it reminded of when Trump talked to Theo Von, which was also brilliant—just two guys talking about life and politics—it’s genuine and simple—something late night TV can’t offer.

Late Night became Far-Left Only and lost the larger half of the former audience.

Fat left means like, a normal person from the 1990s in 2024.

[ "The Joe Rogan Experience," the most downloaded podcast in the world … ]

A perfect example of what the future will be like; just yesterday

It appeals in large part to a young, male, bro, conspiracy theorist, alternative media type of audience. Not sure how many will stay with him as they get a bit older and what the new generation will be into.

He certainly knows the zeitgeist and sells well to to it.

Certainly no idiot.

and it was brilliant—it reminded of when Trump talked to Theo Von, which was also brilliant—just two guys talking about life and politics—it’s genuine and simple—something late night TV can’t offer.

It was really boring.

Late-night talk shows used to be about laughs and entertainment, but now it’s all political propaganda. Shows like Jimmy Kimmel and Fallon are so blatantly and radically uber-Liberal, they might as well be campaign ads - just hours of lecturing and attacking anyone who doesn’t agree with Hollywood’s far-left agenda.

No wonder normal people have completely lost interest.

Late Night became Far-Left Only and lost the larger half of the former audience.

SNL has finally started mocking Biden/Harris but they missed a lot of funny moments over Biden's presidency being so Trump deranged.

It appeals in large part to a young, male, bro, conspiracy theorist, alternative media type of audience. Not sure how many will stay with him as they get a bit older and what the new generation will be into.

He certainly knows the zeitgeist and sells well to to it.

Certainly no idiot.

That’s exactly the kind of dismissive, elitist take that drives people away from the mainstream media in the first place. You seem to underestimate how many people are tired of being spoon-fed politically correct narratives. People of all ages and backgrounds are waking up and questioning what they’re told because, frankly, the so-called ‘trusted sources’ have been caught twisting the truth too many times.

The ‘zeitgeist’ isn’t about following trends like sheep; it’s about valuing free speech, critical thinking, and rejecting the manufactured consensus. And the fact that he resonates with so many shows that people want something real—not the filtered, sanitized version the media would rather we consume. So, maybe the question isn’t about whether people will ‘grow out of it.’ The real question is, when will you wake up and start questioning the narrative that’s been fed to you for so long?

That’s exactly the kind of dismissive, elitist take that drives people away from the mainstream media in the first place

His audience trends young, male, bro, conspiracy theorist and alternative media.

Are you arguing with this? Your avatar kind of proves my point. It isn’t exactly…mature.

I looked at the Rogan demographics. He scores well with younger men - you can see why it’s less attractive to women and grown-ups.

I was a teenager once. I remember talking about whether a gorilla would beat a lion in a fight.

The real question is, when will you wake up and start questioning the narrative that’s been fed to you for so long?

Always have, mate. Didn’t need to be spoon-fed this by podcasters and follow a list of predictable opinions.

His audience trends young, male, bro, conspiracy theorist and alternative media. 

Are you arguing with this? Your avatar kind of proves my point. It isn’t exactly…mature.

I looked at the Rogan demographics. He scores well with younger men - you can see why it’s less attractive to women and grown-ups. 

I was a teenager once. I remember talking about whether a gorilla would beat a lion in a fight.

Ah, so the argument here is that Joe Rogan’s audience is immature because it’s largely made up of young men? That’s a pretty tired stereotype. Labeling Rogan listeners as ‘bros’ and ‘conspiracy theorists’ just dodges the real issue: a massive number of people are turning to alternative media because mainstream sources have lost their trust. Rogan has guests across the spectrum - scientists, doctors, thinkers - discussing issues openly and without the corporate filter. People appreciate the honest, unpolished discussions, even if it’s not the type of prepackaged content someone like yourself is used to.

Dismissing it as something only teenagers enjoy is ironic, considering how many mainstream sources now echo his topics long after he’s covered them. Also, that jab at ‘maturity’ is funny, given how your beloved mainstream networks are obsessed with gossip and sensationalism. Maybe what you call ‘mature’ is actually just sanitized and spoon-fed. People want real conversations, not talking points.

*Also, that jab at ‘maturity’ is funny, given how your beloved mainstream networks are obsessed with gossip and sensationalism*

Where are you getting ‘beloved’ from? A bit childish.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking what your podcasters have told you is true - ‘perceptive’ alternative media followers v unthinking brainwashed sheeple.

It’s part of their sales pitch. They play to egos. It’s business.

Be more skeptical of your sources. A lot smart operators and grifters out there.

By the way, any other good podcasts you’d recommend to help us ‘wake up’?

Where are you getting ‘beloved’ from? A bit childish.

‘Childish’ is labeling anyone who disagrees with you as a gullible fan of ‘grifters.’ That’s not critical thinking; it’s a lazy stereotype. The fact is, people are turning to independent voices because mainstream media continually pushes the same narratives while ignoring questions that matter. If anything, your approach reeks of condescension - assuming everyone outside the ‘approved’ media bubble is just being ‘played.’

What’s really ‘part of the sales pitch’ is the mainstream’s fear-mongering, celebrity worship, and clickbait. Normal people are done with corporate spin, and that’s why they seek out open conversations where they can actually hear different sides without scripted agendas. Maybe it’s time to ask why so many are looking elsewhere instead of smearing them as conspiracy theorists.

And as for your sarcasm on podcasts? The irony is, these shows are succeeding because they’re giving people what mainstream media has lost: transparency, real debate, and a willingness to ask tough questions. It’s not just about waking up - it’s about rejecting the arrogance of gatekeepers who think they know better.

@Jimizo

He certainly knows the zeitgeist and sells well to to it.

Certainly no idiot.

If you define a person's intelligence solely on their ability to milk profit from an intellectually impoverished market, then yes, Rogan is no idiot. I judge people on their actual intelligence though. Therefore, Rogan gets a big, fat F, of course.

I watched about 30 minutes of Trump on Rogan but turned it off, was well boring and all that. Same old same old innit.

Late-night TV in the US is Left-leaning propaganda content only. That is why independent media is kicking legacy TV's butt.

I watched about 30 minutes of Trump on Rogan but turned it off, was well boring and all that. Same old same old innit.

This is not late night TV

For the rest of the world they never were.

Depends

Just like SNL, it's an American thing. 

Yes, but still very popular

And the Brits do talk shows much better.

That is a matter of opinion and preference.

Depends

They weren't.

Yes, but still very popular

Like cancer is popular.

That is a matter of opinion and preference.

People with taste and refinement prefer British talk shows.

I have never been a fan of talk shows whether American or British.

They weren't.

Then you didn’t see the ratings

Like cancer is popular.

You don’t die from comedy or laughter.

People with taste and refinement prefer British talk shows.

I disagree. The American film and entertainment industry, is one of the most valuable and influential in the world. It’s estimated to be worth around $100-150 billion, though its exact value fluctuates based on factors like box office performance, streaming revenue, licensing deals, and television revenue. Some of its largest sectors include box office earnings, home entertainment, and digital streaming, which have grown rapidly in recent years. Hollywood’s global box office earnings generally range from $40-50 billion annually, on average. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and others have drastically increased the digital entertainment market. The revenue from digital streaming globally is around $90 billion, a significant portion of which Hollywood contributes through its films, shows, and other content. Hollywood studios control vast libraries of content, including popular franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars, and Harry Potter (yes, produced with the help of WB, you’re welcome) The IP and merchandising associated with such franchises represent over $110 billion in assets, particularly when considering licensing, brand deals, and merchandising. Then there are the jobs worldwide, from actors and directors to a vast array of technical and support roles. Hollywood’s skilled labor pool is another essential “asset” that contributes to its global influence and revenue. In summary, the Hollywood industry is not only a major cultural influence but also a massive economic force with assets and revenue streams in various sectors around the world. You don’t know what you’re talking about. A lot of Brits found sound employment because of us, so yeah, you’re welcome.

fluffy_canyons

Oct. 27 12:03 pm JST

Fat [sic!] left means like, a normal person from the 1990s in 2024.

As a normal person who lived in the 90s and is a native of the most liberal state in America, California, and as someone who viewed themselves on the left for many years, what I remember from those years is an emphasis on diversity and tolerance. This is not what the left is about today with it's ideas of equity and acceptance. The fact of the matter is that the left has shifted so far left that it no longer is American in it's orientation. When I hear Elon Musk or Tulsi Gabbard talk about how the left shifted to where they no longer find themselves welcome on the left, I completely understand. I have not changed. I am the same as I was all those years ago. It is the politics that has changed. The further the left goes, the more people will magically find themselves on the right like me and many others.

jeffyToday 02:39 am JST

This is not what the left is about today with it's ideas of equity and acceptance.

What is wrong with equity and acceptance? I don't think equity has to include quotas, affirmative action, or reparations.

Nota bene: In my previous comment, “what I remember from those years is an emphasis on diversity and tolerance” should read “what I remember from those years is an emphasis on equality and tolerance.”

TaiwanIsNotChina Today 03:56 am JST

What is wrong with equity and acceptance?

With equality, members of society are treated equally.

With equity, some members of society are given special treatment to address perceived disadvantages.

With tolerance, members of society are permissive of others whom they might find disagreeable.

With acceptance, members of society embrace everyone else even at the expense of their own view.

With equality and tolerance I am a student in a classroom who acknowledges that other students have have a right to be in the class and ask their questions even if I personally find their questions wearisome. In the end, my own grade is not affected as I am only responsible for my own work.

With equity and acceptance I am a student in a classroom who is forced to work in group projects with other students who do not put the same effort into the assignment and look to me to do the work. In the end, my own grade will be affected should I express my displeasure and not cooperate.

Hopefully this clarifies why I find a problem with the new goal of equity and acceptance and prefer the 90s goal of equality and tolerance.