Part 8/10:
The decline isn’t merely about ratings but also about relevance. Younger viewers have gravitated to alternative entertainment sources—YouTube, podcasts, social media—where humor is more diverse and less politically skewed. The focus on pushing a political agenda has made these shows less appealing than they used to be.
The Future of Comedy and Late Night
The shutdown of The Late Show with Steven Colbert signifies a broader reckoning within late night comedy. There’s a recognition that audiences crave humor—an activity that brings people together, not divides them into echo chambers. The willingness of networks to invest heavily in shows like South Park—a product of sharp, bipartisan satire—demonstrates a persistent appetite for genuine comedy.