Comedian and late-night host Conan O’Brien believes traditional late-night television will “disappear” in the future. During a speech at the Television Academy Hall of Fame ceremony, O’Brien stated that despite the decline of this format, the talented comedians who host these shows, like Stephen Colbert, will continue to thrive.
O’Brien’s comments come after CBS cancelled its show “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, citing financial reasons. The cancellation has sparked speculation about the fate of other late-night hosts. O’Brien himself left the format in 2021 but remains active with his podcast and other projects.
In his speech, O’Brien acknowledged the changes in the television landscape but chose not to focus on what’s being lost. Instead, he emphasized that the connection between creators and audiences is still potent. He cited his own success with a podcast and travel show as evidence that comedians can adapt and evolve.
Other late-night hosts, including Seth Meyers, have expressed similar concerns about the future of the genre. However, O’Brien remains optimistic, stating that talented voices like Colbert will continue to shine in new formats.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/08/17/conan-o-brien-late-night-stephen-colbert/85698504007