Part 7/11:
The waning popularity of late-night TV isn't solely about ratings; it reflects a fundamental change in how audiences consume content. Hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, and Colbear continue to generate headlines and viral moments, but overall viewership has declined sharply. Meanwhile, cable news and digital platforms—non-FCC-regulated, non-primetime programming—are drawing audiences in the millions, often exceeding traditional late-night numbers.
For example, Greg Gutfeld’s late-night program garners between three and four million viewers nightly, surpassing the ratings of CBS’s Late Show. Meanwhile, Colbear’s show, despite still ranking high among late-night hosts, is drawing significantly fewer viewers than these cable competitors.