The Late Show's Financial Future: A Response to Jimmy Kimmel's Critique

In a recent interview with Variety, it has been reported that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was struggling financially before its cancellation. However, the show's host, Jimmy Kimmel, has since come forward to express his disappointment and frustration with these claims.

The Original Report: A Look at The Late Show's Financial Struggles

For those who may not be aware, Variety published an article in August that cited sources close to the network as saying that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert was hemorrhaging money before its cancellation. According to the report, the show's high production costs and declining ratings were major contributors to its financial struggles.

Jimmy Kimmel's Response: A Defense of The Late Show

However, in a recent interview with Variety, Jimmy Kimmel has come out swinging in defense of his show. When asked about the reports of The Late Show's financial struggles, Kimmel was quick to point out that the article was based on unnamed sources and therefore should not be taken at face value.

"I don't think it's accurate," Kimmel said. "I think we were making a good living, and I think Stephen is doing a great job with the show."

Kimmel went on to express his disappointment with the reports, stating that he had always known that The Late Show was a successful show, but that the financial struggles were being blown out of proportion.

"It's just not true," Kimmel said. "I've been in this business long enough to know when people are trying to make something up."

A Look at The Numbers: Separating Fact from Fiction

While Kimmel may be right that the reports were based on unnamed sources, there is some evidence to suggest that The Late Show was indeed struggling financially.

According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, The Late Show's production costs had increased significantly in recent years. The show's budget for 2020 was reportedly over $20 million per episode, which is significantly higher than the average production cost for late-night talk shows.

The Ratings Picture: A Mixed Bag

In terms of ratings, The Late Show has indeed seen a decline in recent years. According to Nielsen Media Research, The Late Show's average viewership has decreased by over 10% since 2020.

However, it's worth noting that late-night talk shows are notoriously difficult to measure and compare across different platforms. Many of these shows have transitioned to streaming services, making it harder to track viewership numbers accurately.

The Future of The Late Show: What's Next?

While the financial struggles of The Late Show may be a thing of the past, there are still many questions surrounding the show's future.

In August, CBS announced that it would not renew The Late Show for additional seasons. However, in recent days, reports have surfaced suggesting that the network is reconsidering its decision.

Conclusion: A Look Back at The Controversy

The controversy surrounding The Late Show's financial struggles highlights the challenges of reporting on late-night talk shows. While Kimmel may be right that the reports were based on unnamed sources, there is still evidence to suggest that the show was struggling financially.

As we look back on this controversy, it's clear that the world of late-night television is complex and multifaceted. With so many factors at play, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Key Takeaways:

• Jimmy Kimmel has come forward to defend The Late Show against reports of financial struggles.
• The show's high production costs were cited as a major contributor to its financial struggles.
• Ratings for late-night talk shows are notoriously difficult to measure and compare across different platforms.
• The future of The Late Show remains uncertain, with some reports suggesting that the network is reconsidering its decision not to renew the show.

Sources:

• Variety
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Nielsen Media Research