Part 2/11:
For decades, CBS's late-night lineup has been a staple of American entertainment—originally anchored by David Letterman, and later carried on by hosts like Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel. The network’s longstanding investment in this format emphasized high-profile personalities, elaborate production, and a focus on capturing the coveted young audience.
However, recent years have witnessed a decline in the traditional late-night model. The rise of streaming media and digital content consumption has significantly shifted viewers away from fixed broadcast schedules, especially among younger audiences. Many of the original hosts still attract a sizeable digital following, but overall audience numbers have diminished, making the production of these shows less financially viable.