In a concerning turn of events for late-night television, ABC has announced the indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” shortly after FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a public warning. Carr, appointed by Donald Trump, threatened broadcasting companies that fail to take action against Jimmy Kimmel, following Kimmel’s controversial comments about MAGA supporters. This announcement comes on the heels of senior writer Daniel O’Brien’s somber joke at the Emmys about the precarious future of late-night political satire.
The landscape for late-night television is rapidly changing. ABC’s decision to pull Kimmel’s show follows CBS’s recent cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” This marks a major shift, as CBS will be without any late-night programming for the first time in over 30 years. The news echoes a wider trend, highlighting a genre in decline that was once at the peak of its popularity during the era that saw the rise of hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and Trevor Noah.
The late-night genre, once thriving, faces challenges not only from political pressures but also from changing viewer habits. Fewer people are tuning in via traditional television, with many now opting to watch highlights on social media platforms that remain difficult for networks to monetize. With political tensions rising, particularly over content that critiques conservative figures and policies, the future of late-night satire is uncertain.
For fans, the potential loss of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC signals not just the end of an era but a broader shift in how political comedy is consumed and its role in the media landscape. As networks navigate the increasing pressure from political entities and evolving viewer habits, they must determine how to adapt while preserving the essence of late-night comedy that has critiqued and entertained through its bold commentary.