The impact of Donald Trump on late-night talk shows has been a game-changer, and it’s not just about the headlines. In 2025, these shows have taken center stage, with hosts like Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and now Seth Meyers finding themselves in the crosshairs of the former US President and his supporters. This unexpected turn of events has breathed new life into a genre that was once considered on the decline.
Seth Meyers, the host of Late Night, has become the latest target of Trump’s ire. In a recent social media post, Trump referred to Meyers as a “deranged lunatic” and suggested NBC consider firing him. But here’s where it gets interesting: this controversy has sparked a renewed interest in late-night shows, with broader audiences engaging more than ever before. Viewing figures have spiked, and the genre has been revitalized.
“It’s a privilege to have a show like this, and I think it’s a reminder of how nice it is to have these shows in our lives,” Meyers shared during a virtual press conference. He continued, “In the case of Kimmel, audiences had a clear path to voice their displeasure, which was unfortunate for Stephen Colbert. It was a terrible ten days of uncertainty for Jimmy, and that was certainly the lowest point of the year for our show. We’re just grateful to be doing these shows every day.”
Meyers’ acclaimed segment, A Closer Look, has been a driving force behind this renewed interest. Two weeks ago, an episode featuring Trump discussing catapults annoyed the former President enough to prompt another attack on Meyers over the weekend. “I don’t live and breathe social media on weekends, but when I saw those texts about Trump attacking me, I had to admit that this one had a touch of comedy to it. The projection in his post, accusing me of talking about catapults too much, was immediately funny.”
Historically, Meyers and his team have tried to keep the focus on the issues rather than personal attacks, but this time, they decided to have a little fun with it. “It was nice to build a moment at the end to respond. Even Trump’s supporters had a moment of confusion, wondering if their anger was directed at Seth for talking about catapults. It was a funny twist.”
So, does this White House furor impact the show’s approach? Meyers explains that it doesn’t change much, other than providing an opportunity to make the most of it. “We’re creating content that thrives in the digital age, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. We’re not ignoring the digital landscape, but we’re also not the ones to figure out how to merge the two.”
You might think that Meyers spends all day consuming news, but that’s not the case. “I get my news from working on the show. I rely on breaking news alerts, but when I delve into the details, it’s during A Closer Look. It’s a nice, fresh approach to keep the show feeling real-time.”
A typical show day for Meyers starts around 8:45 am, with taping at 4 pm most days. He works on A Closer Look first, adding his jokes and making cuts. Then, he meets with his segment producers, who have spoken with the guest. It’s a quick conversation, and Meyers aims to strike a balance between preparation and spontaneity, especially with guests who are open to discussing various topics.
“I would start with Colin Jost and Michael Che if we needed an emergency guest. They’re the ones I’m closest with, and then I’d work my way down the SNL cast list.”
Late Night with Seth Meyers is a well-oiled machine, but even the best-laid plans can go awry. The potential for a guest to pull out at the last minute is always a concern, and Meyers has a backup plan. But this is the part most people miss: the show can go on, and sometimes, it’s these unexpected moments that make for the best television.
So, what do you think? Is this a healthy way for the rest of us to live, with Trump attacking late-night shows? Or is it a sign that we’re missing out on more important issues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!