Imagine a world where the bright lights of late-night television are fading into obscurity, dismissed as relics of a bygone era. Yet, Jimmy Kimmel's dramatic comeback not only silenced the doubters but also ignited a spark that could revitalize the entire genre. This is the story of resilience, rebellion, and a reminder that some traditions are worth fighting for—and it might just pull late-night TV back from the brink of irrelevance.
It all kicked off when Kimmel reappeared on ABC's airwaves following a brief suspension, just days after his guest spot on Stephen Colbert's The Late Show on Tuesday, September 30. Far from a quiet return, some hailed it as a victory for free expression against the heavy hand of government oversight. But I noticed something more profound unfolding: a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of late-night programs, proving that countless viewers still value the insights and humor these hosts deliver.
This sentiment grew stronger as I observed Kimmel mingling with other late-night stars during a pre-planned event in Brooklyn. From his heartfelt visit to Colbert's set, where he confessed he thought he'd 'never return to the airwaves' amid Disney's decision to bench him, to the playful antics of Kimmel, Colbert, and Seth Meyers poking fun at the president with a cheeky photo op on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (you can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2BztkCRoEc and https://www.instagram.com/p/DPPjf7njCAU/?igsh=MTZ6MHBjaWVlOHhpOA%3D%3D), there was an unmistakable buzz. These hosts were uniting, reminding fans why late-night TV holds a special place in our culture.
Disney's executives learned a tough lesson when they suspended Kimmel last month after his biting remarks about Trump's MAGA supporters exploiting the tragic assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The move came hot on the heels of threats from the Federal Communications Commission's chairman to Disney, ABC, and their affiliates—essentially, the FCC regulates media to ensure fairness, but here it seemed to cross into censorship territory. It appeared Kimmel might follow in the footsteps of CBS's Stephen Colbert as another Trump critic ousted from late-night TV.
But here's where it gets controversial: the public didn't just watch from the sidelines—they roared back in protest. The American Civil Liberties Union launched a petition (https://www.aclu.org/defend-free-speech-letter-kimmel) signed by over 400 artists, including heavyweights like Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Hasan Minhaj, and Amber Ruffin. Fans canceled subscriptions to Disney's streaming services, spurred on by personalities such as John Oliver (https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5515843-john-oliver-last-week-tonight-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-hbo-disney-hulu-abc/) and Howard Stern (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/howard-stern-cancels-disney-plus-jimmy-kimmel-protest-1236377220/). Even Republican Ted Cruz blasted FCC chair Brendan Carr's actions as 'dangerous' (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jimmy-kimmel-fired-was-it-right-should-the-fcc-have/id1495601614?i=1000727471523), and Trump endorser Joe Rogan cautioned against pressuring comedians (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6djZKYdz5ig&t=2713s). Former President Barack Obama chimed in (https://www.axios.com/2025/09/18/obama-jimmy-kimmel-trump-suspension), labeling it 'government coercion' that media firms should stand against.
When Kimmel returned, his emotional comeback episode captivated nearly 6.3 million viewers on the network—despite some local stations owned by Nexstar and Sinclair Broadcast Group skipping it on ABC affiliates, affecting about 23% of U.S. households. It marked the highest-rated regular episode in over a decade (https://www.vulture.com/article/jimmy-kimmel-live-ratings-late-night-tv-return.html), plus an additional 26 million views on YouTube and social media, per ABC. Kimmel thanked his supporters for amplifying their voices to preserve his, leading to Disney, Nexstar, and Sinclair restoring his show—an outcome that seemed impossible just days prior.
And this is the part most people miss: Kimmel's resurgence wasn't just personal; it served as a vital wake-up call for late-night TV, which has been grappling to stay relevant amid declining viewership, budget cuts, and financial woes. Perhaps, by rallying to save Kimmel, the genre can rediscover its own path to survival.
Late-night TV: A cultural icon in need of a refresh
In the midst of chatter about plummeting ratings and shrinking profits, it's simple to overlook how late-night shows have carved out a unique niche in pop culture—one that's hard to replicate elsewhere. Historically, they've offered a blend of commentary, sketches, and star interviews that captivates viewers in ways other mediums couldn't. But in today's digital age, that's changed. Affordable podcasts and viral social media videos now provide similar laughs and insights, with the edge of reaching people right where they are—migrating from traditional TV to streaming platforms.
Yet, late-night TV has thrived in the past by evolving while keeping its core charm intact. Reflecting on its history could unlock strategies for its future. And believe me, it desperately needs them.
Phase one: Late-night TV as the ultimate cool hangout
Let's rewind to the foundation: NBC's The Tonight Show, the longest-running program on air, started in 1954 with host Steve Allen—a multifaceted talent who was a pianist, composer, actor, comedian, and TV innovator.
Just like many early network shows, Tonight Starring Steve Allen experimented with this novel medium. If you peek at clips from the debut episode on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW4GXtJ_VgY), you'll spot Allen's sharp, sarcastic wit, echoing the playful boldness David Letterman brought decades later. Despite its trial-and-error feel, it laid down staples still seen today: a monologue, celebrity chats, a live band, and audience-participating bits.
Based in New York, Tonight bridged from variety shows like The Ed Sullivan Show to something edgier—a nightly dose of Hollywood glamour. Big names from theater or sports would chat with Allen, making viewers feel part of an exclusive after-hours gathering in the nation's coolest spot.
Phase two: Late-night TV as the hub of showbiz power
Allen passed the torch to Jack Paar, who refined it, followed by Johnny Carson—the 'King of Late Night' from Iowa and Nebraska. Carson's approachable style, honed on variety and game shows, turned the program into a cultural powerhouse with broad appeal.
Back then, networks aimed for broad, non-controversial content to avoid alienating viewers. Carson's show became a comforting routine: a big-band-backed monologue poking gentle fun at the news, paired with warm celebrity banter.
For aspiring comedians, Carson's 'wave-over'—inviting them for a seat after their set—was career-making. Stars like Bill Cosby (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft0ZlHColuo), Drew Carey (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6Bt-q_pRh8), Tim Allen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmv8LFYG8es), Roseanne Barr (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXfaQeYXaH0), Freddie Prinze (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lsMYBcbdko), and David Letterman (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbSaBzO3tXA) all benefited. Viewers saw how a Carson spotlight could launch sitcom careers.
Phase three: Late-night TV as a playground for edgy, youthful comedy
By 1982, Carson handed over his post-show slot to Letterman, creating Late Night With David Letterman at 12:30 a.m. It featured a smaller band and mocked the established TV norms of Carson's era.
Letterman wasn't the smooth talker Carson was; he clashed publicly with guests—like when Cher famously called him out (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HSineaWyLu4)—and championed young, rebellious comedians such as Bill Hicks and a Bostonian in a leather jacket named Jay Leno. (Hicks later faced backlash when Letterman, after switching to CBS, declined to air his set on abortion and religion (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1993/11/01/the-goat-boy-rises), sparking debates on censorship.)
Letterman's wild stunts—think being dunked in a suit laced with Alka-Seltzer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhi2Hmyo9RA) or hurling watermelons from rooftops—resonated with college kids and young media enthusiasts, tapping into early experimental vibes with a modern twist. His fake ads featured characters like file clerk Calvert DeForest as 'Larry Bud Melman.'
This appealed to a generation skeptical of Hollywood, pushing TV boundaries. The trend continued with successors like Conan O'Brien's absurd humor and Jimmy Fallon's party vibe.
When Carson retired in 1992, NBC chose Leno for The Tonight Show, prompting Letterman to CBS's The Late Show at the Ed Sullivan Theater—more polished, less daring. Like Carson, Letterman expanded his slot for The Late Late Show, allowing hosts like Craig Ferguson and James Corden to innovate freely.
Alternative path: Late-night TV thrives by embracing overlooked voices
Others challenged Carson's dominance, with Arsenio Hall succeeding uniquely. His syndicated show in 1989 spotlighted Black culture and emerging artists, featuring a funk-jazz band. Guests included trailblazers like Prince, Bobby Brown, and MC Hammer (before his hit 'U Can't Touch This' made him a star).
It's no coincidence that today's shows like Fallon's Tonight Show have hip-hop groups like The Roots as their band (https://www.npr.org/2014/07/03/328167474/questlove-and-the-roots-how-a-hip-hop-band-conquered-late-night). If mainstream TV includes everyone, it avoids niche competitors like Arsenio's empire.
Modern era: Late-night TV evolves into political commentary
Jon Stewart's 1999 takeover of The Daily Show revolutionized it by blending humor with real news and clips, rivaling shifts like SNL's guest hosts or Carson's innovations.
It produced talents like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Samantha Bee, John Oliver, and Roy Wood Jr., while decoding politics and media flaws—critiquing outlets like CNN and Fox News.
Meanwhile, Fox News's Gutfeld! at 10 p.m. on cable aims to be a conservative late-night staple, capitalizing on a wider audience.
As politics polarized, Stewart's style spread to Colbert's Late Show, Oliver's Last Week Tonight, Bill Maher's Real Time, and Kimmel's program. These hosts critique Trump's tariffs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nuMH0xgdA), Kennedy Center issues (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kcei0W_n4k), and Epstein links (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXPh2aP35jg&t=2s)—though sometimes feeling repetitive or ineffective.
Until Kimmel's near-silencing failed, reigniting their fire. Kimmel, the everyman comedian turned political voice, opposes Trump's policies. With threats looming, it's time for fresh satire—exemplified by his return episode with Robert De Niro as a mobster FCC official (https://youtu.be/c1tjhZOtY?si=_i-sL5IA99rHqejI&t=1213), showcasing how celebrity amplifies messages beyond solo podcasters.
Before this, I wondered if Conan O'Brien's post-TBS success—spanning Sirius XM podcasts, HBO Max specials, and YouTube—pointed to late-night's future, free from corporate control.
But Kimmel's revival, alongside energized peers like Stewart and Colbert facing pressure (https://www.npr.org/2025/07/27/nx-s1-5480172/colbert-south-park-jon-stewart-paramount-trump), suggests another way: unity. Their Brooklyn alliance, with Stewart guesting on Kimmel's monologue (https://latenighter.com/news/watch-jon-stewart-crashes-jimmy-kimmels-monologue-in-brooklyn/?utmsource=substack&utmmedium=email), shows collective strength can create viral moments that cut through noise—as Kimmel's post-suspension chat on a threatened show did. Viral content meets audiences where they are, a must for late-night.
Moreover, media bosses must back their hosts during controversies.
As someone who's attended tapings from Arsenio Hall in 1990 to recent ones with Colbert, Letterman, Meyers, Fallon, O'Brien, and Stewart, I see late-night as a comedy cornerstone. Losing it would be a massive blow.
Here's a controversial twist: Could Trump's administration's push to quiet these voices actually attract new fans, craving defiant perspectives? Do you believe comedians should critique leaders without fear of backlash, or is there a line between humor and propaganda? Should late-night TV stick to laughs or embrace politics? Weigh in below—your thoughts could spark a lively debate!
