Part 6/8:
Many viewers may not realize how curated the audience experience is during late-night shows. From audience specific vetting to pre-taped segments with orchestrated reactions, the environment is heavily controlled—an aspect that diminishes the authenticity of the humor. Underlying this is a worrisome implication: audiences appear manipulated into supporting narratives rather than engaging with more varied perspectives. As public sentiment shifts, Kimmel's and Colbert's tactics may no longer resonate and could result in diminished audience numbers.