3 things in late-night TV to be thankful for this Thanksgiving
By Matt Moore
Thanksgiving is a time to take stock of what we have around us, give thanks, and also look to what's ahead. And when it comes to late-night TV, there's a lot to be thankful for.
Most late-night TV hosts probably weren't saying "thank you" after the election earlier this month. But that doesn't mean they're any less committed. In fact, some like Seth Meyers have said "let's f***ing go" to what's ahead.
And for late-night TV fans, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming months as the calendar flips to 2025. So this Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for the bounty of laughs late-night TV is ready to serve.
Jon Stewart staying at The Daily Show
Jon Stewart thrilled the world of late-night TV when he announced his return to The Daily Show earlier this year. The Comedy Central show had been a bit rudderless after Trevor Noah walked away, relying on a rotating cast of hosts.
Stewart's first show back came in February, and it was clear he didn't miss a step. But as excited as fans were, they knew it was only temporary. Stewart's plan was to host through the 2024 presidential election and leave again.
That all changed in October when Stewart announced plans to continue hosting The Daily Show through 2025. Fans should be thankful Stewart remains passionate about his role and continues to deliver the best monologues on television.
The Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special
Saturday Night Live hit the half-century mark when season 50 premiered earlier this year. It aligned perfectly with the election, allowing SNL to earn strong ratings and capture the attention of late-night TV.
SNL has already been giving nods to its past with a string of alumni cameo appearances through the first seven episodes. Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, Andy Samberg, Pete Davidson, and Kyle Mooney have all appeared.
And that's just an appetizer for the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special coming in 2025. SNL will produce a three-hour live primetime special airing Sunday, February 16. There will be more content that weekend as fans can expect special compilation episodes.
The 40th anniversary had a red carpet to rival the Oscars. Expect to see more stars from movies, TV, sports, music, politics, and more in Studio 8H come February.
Conan O'Brien hosting the Oscars
Speaking of the Oscars, the 2025 edition will be hosted by Conan O'Brien. The late-night TV legend gets the gig for the first time in his 40-year career.
O'Brien follows Jimmy Kimmel as host after the ABC comedian announced he wasn't up for the job this year. John Mulaney, another former SNL writer, also debunked rumors he was interested in hosting.
But Conan is the right man for the job. He may have retired from hosting late-night TV, but his podcast is still at the top of its game. And his Conan O'Brien Must Go travel series proves no one in comedy is better on location.
O'Brien will likely avoid some of decisions that led to criticism of past Oscar ceremonies. For example, don't expect him to read Trump tweets live on air. Instead, he'll bring his brand of comedy to the Academy Awards regardless of who "gets it" or not. It's the same recipe he's used for decades to become a revered figure in comedy who can still bring the house down.