Seth Meyers, host of NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers," has voiced concerns about the future of his show and the late-night television landscape in general. In a recent appearance on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with Dax Shepard, Meyers discussed the evolving TV "ecosystem" and how it impacts his perspective.
The Shifting Sands of Late Night
Meyers acknowledged a shift in his anxieties. Initially, his fear stemmed from self-doubt about his performance. Now, he's more concerned about external factors, specifically whether the current television environment can continue to support the late-night format.
"There is this weird thing that I feel like I shifted from fearing that I wouldn’t be good enough and now my fear is weirdly more outside of my control, which is (that) just at some point the ecosystem might not support it," Meyers stated. He admitted that while it's preferable to blaming himself, the lack of control is unsettling.
Focusing on What He Can Control
Despite these anxieties, Meyers emphasizes the importance of concentrating on the work itself. He believes the best approach is to "show up and do the work." He recognizes that this is the core of his job and where his strengths lie.
A Changing Landscape
Meyers is aware of the changes in the television industry since his show's debut. He expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to establish himself and build a recognizable brand.
His comments come amidst a period of uncertainty for late-night television. The recent cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" by CBS, attributed to financial reasons, has fueled speculation about the future of the genre. Meyers even posted on Instagram after Colbert’s show was cancelled, calling him a “great” comedian and host and “an even better person.”
Meyers also expressed concern for his mental health if his show were to be canceled, noting that late-night TV feels like home and the most comfortable place for him. While exploring other avenues like stand-up and podcasts, he maintains a strong passion for the late-night format.