Yes and no. From 2017 to 2020 Colbert was the same guy while Trump was in office and his ratings were sky high, almost double what they are now. Viewership tapered off during the pandemic and through the Biden admin actually. But the show is still number 1 in its slot. I'll concede and eat some crow and admit that the show is operating with WAY tighter margins than I imagined. The combination of the (mistaken) Covid rush to streaming content and yes, ad buyers getting cold feet around programming that is politically forward, ultimately doomed him.
initial response is viewership for traditional broadcasts is dropping, and the market is quickly shrinking. Especially in the key demographics. However, to your point, never say never. 4 years ago, who would have thought the entertainer who - doesn't use expletives, doesn't insult anyone, never discusses politics and has a slow & easy-going persona - would be the top comedian tour in 2024 - by far. Nick Bargatze has massive demand for his shows.
Not sure something like that is indicative of a “social silo” as it is the free market and streaming media causing almost unlimited choice. It’s almost overwhelming. I have no idea who that is either, but then I generally have no idea who any of the top “box office” comedians are. I tend to not even pay attention to comedy specials on Netflix and whatnot. Rarely find them funny. Last time I found an “it” comedian funny as they emerged was probably original Chappel Show or Ali G show (Sacha Baron Cohen). Can say that for music and acting too. I guess that’s why i think culture wars are dumb as shit, because I don’t care or pay attention to pop culture much at all.
Interesting. I find that's the case for many, with NBA players vs say 20 years ago. Have you heard of Bad Bunny?
I think that’s also interests changing. I played baseball as a kid and back in the day could tell you just about every teams roster AND all the stats of the league leaders from memory. I played other sports but for some reason I paid close attention to baseball stats. This was pre-internet or probably even cable so I’d literally get all that info from the newspaper. Now I can hardly name a handful of MLB players. My baseball media consumption is zero and if someone even talks baseball i just tune it out. Do. Not. Care. I’m not as bad with NBA because I at least tune in for the playoffs and somewhat pay attention to big roster moves/trades/etc (hell I’ve even caught a bit of summer league action to watch our guys). Couldn’t tell you the last time I bothered to watch even a World Series game.
He also understood that he was not a commentator, he was an entertainer. if late night comedy was funny, then I would watch. I would love to see something along the lines of Dangerfield, Rickles, Williams, or Kinison on Carson. But comedians like that don’t make it big anymore. I used to love Jimmy Kimmel when he was on The Man Show with Adam Corolla.
The only late night I watch anymore is Fallon. He is a bit of a throwback late night guy. A little goofy. Great guests. Some dad jokes sprinkled in. Really good with guests. Late night is supposed to be easy. not deep with thought. Fallon does well at that Colbert is a funny guy, but I think network TV is too stuffy for him and he is too one sided in his politics these days. It just isn't the right fit to me.
Saw Nate live in Raleigh last night. Sold out the Lenovo Center (19,000+) Back to back nights. They announced that it was the biggest 2 night attendance in the history of the building.(Nearly 40,000 combined). A building that houses an NHL team, NC State basketball and the often the NCAA tournament (Florida's first round this season) and has had every major band you could think of. . He is the hottest comedian going right now and it isn't close. 3 openers plus him. 2+ hours of smart, funny ..and spotless clean...comedy. Literally was in tears during his set. Some folks are saying this tour will be the biggest comedy tour ever. As a reference of how big he is, he did SNL twice in a month, he has been on Fallon 14 times and Fallon opened FOR Bargatze 3 nights at MSG. If you get a chance, get the tickets. His SNL skits as George Washington are just pure gold
