Late Night TV’s End Is Nearing: What’s Next for Kimmel and SNL
Jimmy Kimmel’s contract talks and Lorne Michaels’ insistence on staying with SNL highlight the shrinking viability of network late‑night shows. With budgets cut and audiences shifting online, the era of big‑studio late‑night TV is ending, while digital platforms promise new formats.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Jimmy Kimmel’s upcoming contract negotiations and Lorne Michaels’ refusal to retire from Saturday Night Live (SNL) underscore a broader shift in late‑night television. Network budgets are shrinking, advertising revenue is falling, and audiences are migrating to digital platforms. The result is a clear signal that the traditional late‑night era is coming to an end.
Lorne Michaels: The Last Anchor of SNL
In the documentary Lorne, a memorable scene captures SNL creator Lorne Michaels sharing dinner with Steve Martin at Orso in Manhattan. During the meal, Martin asks Michaels if he plans to retire. Michaels replies that he can’t leave SNL, citing the need to protect the show’s legacy and resources. The conversation reveals that Michaels still oversees not only SNL but also NBC’s flagship late‑night programs, The Tonight Show and Late Night.
Michaels’ hands‑on involvement is evident in the film: he reviews scripts, works with writers, and even munches on popcorn during production. His presence has kept SNL alive for over four decades, but his continued role also means that the show’s future is tied to his personal decision. If Michaels were to step down, the network would face an uncertain transition.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Contract and the Cost of Late‑Night
Last week, the New York Post’s Page Six reported that Kimmel’s show would end next year because his contract would not be renewed. ABC denied the claim, and later the network confirmed that Kimmel and ABC were negotiating a one‑year extension. The deal, however, comes with a 20‑percent budget cut, reflecting the broader financial strain on late‑night programming.
These budget cuts are not unique to Kimmel’s show. NBC’s The Tonight Show has reduced its production days, while Late Night has cut its house band. The trend signals that networks are trimming costs wherever possible, even if it means sacrificing the depth and variety that once defined late‑night television.
Advertising Revenue Decline and Audience Shifts
Advertising revenue for late‑night shows has dropped by 50 percent since 2018, according to media‑tracking firm Guideline. Digital platforms have not compensated for this loss. While Kimmel still averages over 2.7 million viewers in Q2, the numbers are a far cry from the 5‑million‑plus audience that hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman once commanded.
Ratings remain respectable—Kimmel’s show, the Tonight Show, and Late Night all maintain audiences above the 1‑million mark—but the financial model that once supported large studios and extensive crews is no longer viable. The era of a 100‑person crew and a Manhattan studio is giving way to leaner operations and, increasingly, online formats.
The Rise of Digital Platforms
Conan O’Brien’s departure from television after TBS’s budget cuts illustrates the shift. His podcast empire now garners more views than his former TV show, and his appearance on the YouTube talk show Hot Ones highlighted the financial realities of late‑night television.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan explained that late‑night content is now “reconstituted in your feed,” allowing personalized, unfiltered programming. Legacy hosts such as Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel are already exploring digital avenues, and it is likely that their shows will transition to platforms like YouTube or TikTok. These platforms offer a way to keep the brand alive without the overhead of a traditional studio.
As the advertising model changes, the industry is seeing a new generation of comedians and talk‑show hosts creating original content on YouTube and TikTok. The “late‑night” format is evolving from a fixed time slot on network television to a flexible, on‑demand experience that can be accessed anytime.
What Happens Next?
While Kimmel, Colbert, and NBC’s shows may continue for a few more seasons, the inevitable shift to digital platforms is already underway. The cost of producing large‑scale late‑night shows on network television is unsustainable, and the audience’s appetite for on‑demand content is growing.
Ultimately, the legacy of late‑night television will live on through digital formats that allow creators to experiment and audiences to engage without the constraints of network schedules or advertising pressures.
In the coming years, viewers can expect to see former late‑night hosts and new talent alike building brands on YouTube, TikTok, and other streaming services—ensuring that the spirit of late‑night comedy continues, even if it no longer airs at 11 p.m. on a broadcast network.
Why This Matters
The decline of traditional late‑night TV reflects broader changes in media consumption and advertising. Understanding these shifts is crucial for anyone interested in the future of entertainment and the evolving relationship between creators, audiences, and platforms.
Key facts
- Lorne Michaels remains the key figure keeping SNL alive, but his continued presence is tied to the show’s future.
- Jimmy Kimmel’s contract talks highlight the financial strain on network late‑night shows.
- Advertising revenue for late‑night TV has dropped 50% since 2018, with digital platforms not compensating for the loss.
- Digital platforms like YouTube are becoming the new home for legacy late‑night talent.
- The traditional late‑night model is unsustainable, leading to leaner productions or online transitions.
- The future of late‑night comedy lies in on‑demand, personalized content rather than scheduled network broadcasts.
Why it matters
The transformation of late‑night television signals a larger industry shift toward digital platforms, reshaping how audiences consume comedy and how creators monetize their content.
Frequently asked questions
Will Jimmy Kimmel’s show end next year?
Kimmel and ABC are negotiating a one‑year extension, but the deal includes a 20‑percent budget cut, indicating uncertainty about a long‑term future.
What will happen to SNL if Lorne Michaels retires?
Michaels’ departure would trigger a significant transition for SNL, potentially altering its format and production structure.
Are there plans for late‑night shows to move online?
Yes, hosts like Colbert and Kimmel are exploring YouTube and other digital platforms to continue their shows without the high costs of traditional studio production.
Sources
- [1] hollywoodreporter.com — originally reported as “Jimmy Kimmel Might Stick Around, But the End of Late Night TV Is Getting Closer”
