The cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s The Late Present despatched shockwaves all through the leisure trade, with many weighing in on CBS’ determination to axe this system. In fact, that huge transfer got here amid a altering media panorama, which sees late-night TV shifting in several respects. It’s been notably attention-grabbing to listen to from those that have years of expertise working inside this specific house. Paul Shaffer, who oversaw the music amid David Letterman’s tenure on Late, is now sharing his tackle what’s occurring.
What Did Paul Shaffer Say About The Late Present’s Cancellation?
Paul Shaffer stays a legend for curating the tunes performed throughout David Letterman’s stints on Late Night time (1983-1992) and The Late Present (1992-2015). In relation to working the late-night circuit, Shaffer’s been across the block. The veteran bandleader mentioned the TV enterprise with EW whereas selling his new documentary, You Needed to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution…, on the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant. When requested about Stephen Colbert’s scenario, Shaffer expressed disbelief:
Completely stunning. That is all I can say. I imply, I do not know what extra to say about it. Stephen Colbert was completely primary.
When The Late Present’s cancellation was introduced, Paramount International – CBS’ mum or dad firm – attributed the choice to monetary variables. Nevertheless, some pundits and celebrities are of the idea that cash wasn’t the one issue. Across the time that information dropped, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with U.S. President Donald Trump, and Colbert had been vocally crucial of that call. That go well with was additionally considered as the ultimate piece of enterprise to be settled earlier than Paramount’s merger with Skydance would develop into FCC-approved.
Paul Shaffer isn’t the one member of the previous Late Present regime to touch upon Stephen Colbert’s iteration being canceled. David Letterman himself, through his YouTube channel, was crucial of the transfer, calling it “pure cowardice.” One in every of Letterman’s former producers, Rob Burnett, weighed in as properly and, whereas he acknowledged the monetary points of the matter, he nonetheless questioned how the community may “dismiss a expertise like” Colbert in such a fashion. That query elements into the bigger dialog that’s at play.
As Late-Night time TV Modifications, Paul Shaffer Drops Some Ideas
A few of TV’s greatest discuss present hosts have been sharing their candid takes on the way forward for late night time. Jimmy Kimmel thinks it could not final one other decade, whereas Seth Meyers can also be involved about how for much longer the format would possibly endure. Paul Shaffer didn’t get too deep when addressing those that really feel as if late-night choices will quickly develop into extinct. He did, nevertheless, supply up this response pertaining to The Late Present’s demise:
I would not be stunned if these doom-sayers which might be saying it signifies the tip of the Late-Present-type-of-thing, you recognize, late night time tv, it is over. Individuals will watch clips on their computer systems, and all of it is sensible to me. I am glad that I used to be out and in of there whereas the getting was good.
The Godspell alum did certainly partake within the medium at a time when it flourished, however the rise of streaming, social media and a wide range of different variables have since shifted the paradigm. It’s arduous to say what truly lies forward for late-night discuss exhibits, particularly for the reason that outlook is wanting considerably grim. Nonetheless, there are some folks (Conan O’Brien included) who’re remaining optimistic. Their argument is that whereas the technique of reaching audiences might change, the expertise itself can discover different methods to attach with most of the people.
Stephen Colbert’s conventional means of reaching viewers by The Late Present will come to an finish in Could 2026. It’ll not solely mark the tip of a TV-based establishment but additionally a serious turning level for late-night TV. And, as time goes on, I’m curious to see what different trade veterans like Paul Shaffer and David Letterman need to say about all of this.