CBS Pulls the Plug on ‘After Midnight,’ Signaling More Trouble for Late-Night TV
In a surprising move, CBS has decided to cancel After Midnight, the late-night comedy panel show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson. This decision marks another setback for the struggling late-night TV landscape, which has seen declining viewership and shifting audience preferences in recent years.
The show, a revival of Comedy Central’s @midnight, premiered in early 2024 as a replacement for The Late Late Show after James Corden’s departure. Despite Tomlinson’s sharp wit and comedic talent, After Midnight failed to attract a substantial audience, leading CBS to pull the plug after just one season. Industry insiders suggest that the show’s format—a mix of improv comedy and internet culture—struggled to compete with streaming platforms and social media, where younger viewers increasingly consume entertainment.
Late-night television has been in decline for years, with traditional formats facing challenges from digital alternatives. The cancellation of After Midnight follows other high-profile exits, including A Little Late with Lilly Singh and Last Call with Carson Daly. Even established shows like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! have seen ratings dip as viewers turn to YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts for comedy and commentary.
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CBS has not yet announced a replacement for the After Midnight time slot, but rumors suggest the network may pivot toward unscripted programming or extend its news coverage. Meanwhile, Taylor Tomlinson, a rising star in stand-up comedy, is expected to continue her successful touring career and may return to television with a different project in the future.
The cancellation highlights the broader challenges facing late-night TV. As audiences fragment across multiple platforms, networks must adapt to survive—whether by reinventing formats, embracing digital distribution, or finding fresh talent that resonates with modern viewers. For now, After Midnight joins the growing list of late-night casualties in an ever-evolving media landscape.
(Sources: The New York Times)
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