And then there was Fallon.
NBC’s “Tonight Show” is the only late-night program maintaining its regular schedule as the nation transitions into late summer. This reflects the ongoing reduction in late-night television as the midnight TV economics continue to decline.
This week, NBC initiated a seven-week break for Seth Meyers’ “Late Night,” marking its longest hiatus since Meyers began hosting the show in 2014, according to sources. The LateNighter web site previously reported this development. “Late Night” social media channels announced, “See you in the fall!” and provided a link for live show ticket reservations. Similarly, Comedy Central’s “Daily Show” is on a summer break and will return in September after five weeks, opting to air different programming instead of repeats.
As a result, Jimmy Fallon stands as the sole regular late-night host continuing to produce new episodes over the next few weeks. This scenario somewhat echoes the era when Johnny Carson dominated late-night TV, before competitors like Arsenio Hall and Joan Rivers emerged. Jimmy Kimmel is on a summer break, with his ABC show featuring guest hosts, while Stephen Colbert’s show is on hiatus, and CBS has exited late-night programming, leasing its time slot to Byron Allen.
Late-night TV is experiencing a contraction, as streaming services draw viewers away from traditional late-night hosts. Ad spending on these shows is projected to decline to $209 million in 2025, down from $519.7 million in 2017, according to Guideline.
Contracts for many late-night hosts are also shortening. Kimmel recently signed a one-year deal with Disney, keeping him on air until 2027. John Oliver secured a one-year extension with HBO, and Jon Stewart’s agreement to host “The Daily Show” has been renewed annually since 2024.
Both Fallon and Meyers have longer-term contracts, with their agreements extending until 2028.
