Why Late Night is Failing: A Johnny Carson Lesson Stephen Colbert Missed
The late-night landscape has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years. Once a bastion of witty banter and broadly appealing humor, it's now often characterized by partisan commentary and a perceived disconnect with a significant portion of the audience. The recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has sparked a renewed conversation about what went wrong, and a surprising source holds a key piece of the puzzle: Johnny Carson.
Many point to Colbert's increasingly political focus as a major factor in the show's decline. While political satire has always had a place in late-night, Colbert's approach became overtly partisan, alienating viewers who tuned in for escapism and laughter, not another round of political debate. This shift reflects a broader trend in modern media, where ideological alignment often trumps shared entertainment.
But the roots of this problem may lie deeper, in a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes late-night television work. Legendary host Johnny Carson, during his illustrious 30-year run, offered a crucial piece of advice that seems to have been forgotten by many of today's comics. As relayed by sources close to Carson, his guiding principle was simple: “People need to be entertained.”
This seemingly straightforward statement encapsulates a profound truth about the genre. Late-night isn't primarily a platform for expressing political opinions or pushing agendas. It's a space for laughter, connection, and a brief respite from the stresses of daily life. Carson understood this implicitly. His show appealed to a diverse audience precisely because it avoided divisive topics and focused on universal experiences, clever observations, and genuine human interaction. He was a master of finding humor in the mundane, connecting with viewers on a personal level, and creating a sense of community.
The contrast between Carson’s approach and Colbert’s is stark. While Colbert frequently used his platform to criticize political opponents and endorse progressive viewpoints, Carson maintained a carefully cultivated neutrality, allowing viewers to escape the political fray. This isn't to say that Carson was apolitical; he was a keen observer of the world around him. However, he understood the importance of not making his show a battleground for ideological warfare.
The failure of The Late Show isn't solely Colbert's fault. The changing media landscape, the rise of social media, and the fragmentation of audiences all contributed to the show's challenges. However, ignoring Carson's wisdom – the core principle that people primarily tune in to be entertained – was a significant misstep. Modern late-night shows need to re-evaluate their priorities and remember that laughter and connection transcend political divides. Perhaps then, they can recapture the magic that made Johnny Carson a legend and ensure the survival of the genre itself.
The lesson is clear: in the world of late-night television, entertainment should always be the priority. Otherwise, the audience will simply tune out.