In a recent exchange on social media, former President Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel have found themselves in a war of words following the firing of Stephen Colbert from his late-night show. Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Kimmel, suggesting that he might be the next casualty in what he described as the “untalented late-night sweepstakes.” He derided Kimmel and others in the late-night landscape for lacking talent and for receiving significant financial compensation while, in his view, failing to uphold the quality of television.
Trump’s remarks came in the wake of declining ratings for several late-night programs, including Colbert’s. He expressed satisfaction with the current state of late-night television, claiming that it was a positive development to see hosts like Kimmel and Colbert depart, asserting that he had played a role in this shift. “These people have no talent paid millions of dollars for destroying what used to be great television,” Trump stated.
Kimmel quickly fired back with a tongue-in-cheek response, suggesting that Trump might also be next on the chopping block in the world of entertainment. This playful jab highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Trump and the late-night hosts, who have frequently critiqued him and his policies over the years.
Discussing the implications of these comments, podcast hosts Michael Duncan and John Abook weighed in on the late-night landscape. Duncan likened Trump’s commentary to a return to his reality television roots, asserting that the ratings for shows like Colbert’s had suffered due to a shift towards political commentary rather than humor. He emphasized that viewers tune in for entertainment, not for political sermons, and suggested that the genre needs to return to its roots, focusing on humor and engaging content.
Abook echoed this sentiment, arguing that the current late-night format has strayed too far from its original purpose. He noted that while some hosts have attempted to incorporate political commentary into their routines, they often lose sight of what makes late-night television appealing: the ability to entertain and provide comedic relief.
The backlash against late-night hosts has also prompted political figures to weigh in. Senator Chris Murphy commented on the situation, suggesting that Trump’s influence and the firing of Colbert could be seen as an attempt to suppress dissenting voices in the media. Abook dismissed Murphy’s comments, arguing that Colbert’s show remains on the air and that the real issue lies in the lack of humor in current late-night offerings.
As the conversation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the late-night landscape will adapt in response to these criticisms. With Trump’s remarks igniting a dialogue about the state of comedy and entertainment, the future of late-night television could hinge on a return to its fundamental purpose: to entertain. As audiences seek humor in a divided political climate, the ability to deliver laughs without heavy-handed political overtones may be crucial for the survival of late-night shows.