Part 8/9:
The lesson from this era of late-night TV is clear: audiences crave authenticity and levity. Johnny Carson’s approach—a straightforward, apolitical comedy—still resonates as a model for engaging viewers without crossing into controversy for controversy’s sake.
As late-night television undergoes these turbulent changes, one can only wonder whether future hosts will return to the roots of comedy or continue down the path of polarization and sensationalism. Regardless, the core desire remains: people want to laugh, not be preached to.
What do you think about the state of late-night comedy? Is it doomed to become political propaganda, or can it reclaim its former lighthearted identity? Let us know in the comments.