How the landscape of late night is set to change in 2023

As we enter 2023, it is clear that late night is set to evolve. However, whether these changes will benefit the genre is still speculation. What are the changes that have already happened, and what changes are set to happen later on in 2023? Ultimately, how are these changes going to impact late-night talk shows?

A new landscape

Evidently, a new landscape is forming for late night. For example, James Corden very recently announced the reasons behind why he has decided to leave ‘The Late Late Show’. On the Drew Barrymore Show, Corden revealed that he is leaving his spot as late night show host due to wanting to spend more time with his son.

James had a significant amount of controversy in the latter half of 2022, but despite all the criticism it is certain that Corden did establish a successful late-night show and built up a staggering number of viewers over the years. With the exit of a household name, the competition for the new host of ‘The Late Late Show’ is fierce. A change like this could be make or break for CBS.

A right-wing takeover?

Another change expected in 2023 is a greater presence of right-wing late-night talk show content. Greg Gutfeld, the host of ‘Gutfeld!’ has proven that Republican viewpoints are definitely popular. Back in October, Gutfeld broke records with the number of viewers of his show. Forbes reported that the Fox News show host amassed a total audience of 2.5 million, beating every other late-night show.

On the other hand, Democrat, Jimmy Kimmel has lost viewers due to his attacks on Republicans. As previously reported in this article: Jimmy exposed on a podcast that his constant Trump jokes were the root cause. Kimmel disclosed that “I have lost half of my fan-[base], maybe more than that.”

The success of Gutfeld and the fall of Kimmel suggests that 2023 will see more conservative views heard and discussed on late night compared to the previous heavy left-wing dominance.

Revival of late night?

In 2023 there are many old faces set to end their legacy as hosts on their respective shows. These changes may open up a chance for late night to thrive off of fresh faces and content. The loss of high-profile hosts could give rise to the beginning of the development of new household names in the industry.

2023 has real potential.