The ‘Tonight Show’ is no longer tonight

Why late-night television is cutting back hours.
September 29, 2024
Facebook LogoTwitter Icon
Black LinkedIn Icon
jimmy fallon next to old tv

Is late-night TV now a part-time job?

NBC has decided to move “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to four original recordings a week, like its late-night rivals CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” which are already on the same schedule.

NBC’s move to reduce its late-night show time slots aims to shore up the program's economics as audiences shift towards streaming and away from cable and satellite TV subscriptions. The change in consumer behavior for late-night audiences has led to declining ratings, viewership numbers, and ad revenue.

Furthermore, some late-night voices leaned into politics, alienating more current and potential audience members.

Top hosts, like Jimmy Fallon, make north of $15 million annually, a lot of money for a part-time job.

Read next