Unfortunate but not unique - CBS' Late Late Show had no band for about 20 years, as a cost-saving measure, until James Corden took over the show. CBS was reputedly losing money on the show and it likely would have had a serious budget cut had Corden renewed his contract. The show's replacement has no band and looks like it has a much smaller budget. Conan O'Brien's TBS show also didn't have a band in its last few seasons.

On the one hand, the late night talkers are about the only thing left that differentiates the networks from streamers or other competitors. On the other, they do not have the audience or the profits they enjoyed in the Carson-era for NBC and the post-Carson era for the three networks. I wonder if budget cuts are coming for Fallon, Kimmel and even Colbert or if the late night format will be scaled back or canceled when the three incumbents leave? Kimmel - who has hosted his show for more than 20 years - has hinted he won't renew his contract in 2026 so we may find out soon. Fallon's contract is up in 2026 too and while he likely wants to stay, and without an obvious successor in the wings NBC is likely to keep him, we'll see if NBC will insist on budget cuts. (Also, if Lorne Michaels, who turns 80 this year, has retired by then he won't be around to advocate for Fallon). Colbert's contract is also up in 2026, BTW.

Last edited by Hansa (June 13, 2024 1:50 pm)