Taylor Tomlinson, Young Hosts Choose Creator Economy Over Late Night
Late-night television is a realm that has long been coveted by comedians and talk-show hosts alike. However, in recent times, it seems that holding onto these coveted positions is becoming increasingly difficult. The latest departure from the late-night scene comes from Taylor Tomlinson, who announced her decision to leave the CBS show “After Midnight” despite being offered a third season. This trend of comedians and hosts walking away from established late-night gigs is not limited to Tomlinson, as Trevor Noah and Roy Wood Jr. have also made similar moves in pursuit of other opportunities.
Tomlinson’s decision to leave “After Midnight” was driven by her desire to focus on her stand-up comedy career, which is where she first gained recognition. Balancing the demands of hosting a late-night show and touring as a stand-up comedian became unsustainable for her, prompting the difficult choice to step away. This trend of comedians prioritizing their stand-up careers over late-night hosting roles is not new, as seen with Jay Leno and Bill Maher, who juggled touring while hosting their respective shows.
The landscape of late-night television has evolved, with hosts like Conan O’Brien finding success outside the traditional late-night format. O’Brien transitioned to a shorter show on TBS before venturing into digital media, selling his business for a substantial sum and taking on new projects like hosting the Oscars. The shift in viewer habits, with many opting to watch clips online the next day, has made the late-night hosting gig more challenging than ever.
In response to these challenges, some hosts are exploring new avenues outside of traditional late-night TV. The rise of the “creator economy” has opened up opportunities for individual creators to generate revenue through various channels like tipping, subscriptions, and merchandise sales. This shift has allowed comedians like Trevor Noah and Roy Wood Jr. to explore new projects and ventures beyond their late-night shows.
As established late-night hosts navigate these changes, some are expanding into new territory to stay relevant. Stephen Colbert has taken on producing roles and explored other programming for CBS, while Jimmy Fallon has delved into game shows, books, and even launched a SiriusXM channel. The flexibility and freedom afforded by digital media have made it easier for comedians to carve out their own paths and reach audiences in innovative ways.
In conclusion, the landscape of late-night television is evolving, with comedians and hosts exploring new opportunities outside the traditional late-night format. As the industry continues to change, the future of late-night TV remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – comedy doesn’t have to conform to a late-night time slot to make audiences laugh.
