Late-night talk shows often make headlines, but in 2025, they've become focal points of controversy and public discourse, sometimes even overshadowing the celebrity guests themselves. And here's where it gets truly provocative—these shows are now caught in the crossfire of political battles, particularly with former President Donald Trump and his administration. They frequently comment on trending topics in their monologues, which has led to clashes with Trump, his supporters, and his political allies. For instance, comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert found themselves in hot water—Kimmel faced suspension, while Colbert's show was not renewed beyond 2026. Now, Seth Meyers' 'Late Night' has become the latest target of Trump's ire. Recently, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to label Meyers as 'a truly deranged lunatic' and suggested that NBC should consider firing him. This kind of personal attack might seem minor, but it signifies a significant shift—public figures on both sides are increasingly engaging in spat-like exchanges, bringing new energy to a genre that many believed was past its prime. Interestingly, despite these controversies, late-night shows are experiencing an unexpected revival. Audiences are more engaged than in years, and ratings have surged, breathing new life into a format once thought to be in decline. Seth Meyers reflects on the current state of late-night television, emphasizing that the present moment is both exciting and vital for the genre. During a virtual press conference with journalists, he shared, “It's a better question for audiences, but I will say it certainly makes you have a greater appreciation for how privileged it is to host a show like this. It also hopefully reminds viewers how valuable shows like these are in today’s fast-paced news cycle.” He pointed out that the public’s voice was more evident during the Kimmel controversy—people expressed their opinions openly, whereas with Stephen Colbert, it was harder to gauge audience sentiment. Meyers remarked, “It was a terrible ten days of uncertainty about Jimmy’s return, and honestly, that was the low point for us. But ultimately, we’re just so grateful to be doing these shows daily.” Despite skeptical predictions about the future of late-night TV, Meyers believes the genre remains dynamic and meaningful. “The current state of late night is actually fascinating and lively,” he said. “Every day presents a fresh opportunity to respond in real time to world events, which makes this job incredibly exciting.” When asked how he feels about being publicly targeted by Trump, Meyers admits that it’s not encouraging. While some might see the attacks as a sign of success, Meyers feels it’s more a distraction. “It’s not something I’d call encouraging,” he explains. “Some say it’s a sign I’m doing something right, but honestly, I think it’s better if he focuses elsewhere—even though, ironically, when he directs his ire at late-night shows, it keeps us in the spotlight.” A personal anecdote underscores the ongoing tension—two weeks ago, Meyers’ famous segment 'A Closer Look' included a joke about catapults, which Trump found so offensive he launched another attack online, calling Meyers out. Meyers recalls, “I was enjoying my weekend when I started getting texts about the President’s social media rant. At first, I thought, ‘This is kind of funny,’ because the projection in his post was so exaggerated—accusing me of talking about catapults too much. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony.” He emphasized that personal attacks like these are less impactful than the larger issues outside the show, but they’re still noteworthy. “Sometimes, it’s amusing how supporters question whether they should be mad at me for discussing catapults—it's like, ‘Really? Is that why you’re angry at him?’ It’s become almost humorous.” Meyers also explains that such political furor doesn’t significantly alter how they produce the show. “We just try to make the most of it,” he says. “Our main focus remains on creating content that resonates in today’s digital landscape—clips on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube are crucial. But adapting to the changing television environment isn’t entirely within our control, and I hope someone figures out how to better integrate all these platforms.” Despite relying heavily on current events, Meyers asserts he doesn’t spend all day glued to news alerts. “Honestly, I get most of my news while working on ‘A Closer Look,’ by reading backup articles, watching clips, and drafting the segment. It’s about reacting quickly and freshly, which keeps the show feeling spontaneous—though it’s carefully prepared behind the scenes. This approach feels particularly relevant in these chaotic times, where news moves faster than ever.” On what a typical day looks like, Meyers shares that it begins around 8:45 a.m., with filming at 4 p.m.—a schedule driven by proximity to The Tonight Show studio, to avoid noise from musical acts like The Roots. His day typically involves writing the 'A Closer Look' segment, editing jokes, and managing last-minute updates, especially for guests. Meyers emphasizes that balancing preparation is key—he wants to be ready without overdoing it, especially with frequent guests who already feel comfortable on the show. If a guest cancels unexpectedly, Meyers jokes that they once improvised by interviewing Wally the Cue Card Guy, a quirky tradition that has its humorous moments. When asked about filling in if needed, Meyers mentions he would likely call on close colleagues like Colin Jost or Michael Che first, given their familiarity and availability. Overall, Meyers portrays late-night television as a demanding yet exhilarating career—a constant dance between breaking news, comedy, and the unpredictable nature of live and semi-live production. So, what do you think? Is the genre truly thriving amidst political storms and changing media landscapes, or are we witnessing the last gasp of the traditional late-night format? Leave your thoughts below—do you agree that late night is more vital than ever, or do you believe it’s time for a major overhaul?
