A Concise Overview of CBS’s Late-Night Eras
CBS has a rich history of late-night television shows, with various hosts taking the stage over the years. From Merv Griffin to Stephen Colbert, the network has seen its fair share of successes and failures in the late-night TV landscape. Let’s take a closer look at the different eras of CBS’s late-night programming.
The Merv Griffin Era
In the early days of late-night TV, Merv Griffin was a prominent figure on CBS. His talk show, “The Merv Griffin Show,” was a popular choice for viewers looking for engaging conversations and entertainment. Griffin’s charm and wit made him a beloved host, and his show set the stage for future late-night hosts on CBS.
The Pat Sajak Experiment
After Merv Griffin, CBS took a chance on game show host Pat Sajak as a late-night host. Sajak’s show, “The Pat Sajak Show,” aimed to bring a mix of comedy, interviews, and games to late-night audiences. While Sajak had a loyal following from his game show hosting duties, his late-night venture was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful.
The David Letterman Legacy
David Letterman is perhaps one of the most iconic late-night hosts in CBS’s history. His show, “Late Show with David Letterman,” ran for over two decades and garnered a dedicated fan base. Letterman’s irreverent humor and unique interviewing style set him apart from other hosts, making his show a staple of late-night TV for many years.
The Stephen Colbert Era
More recently, CBS has seen success with Stephen Colbert as the host of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Colbert’s background in satire and political commentary brought a fresh perspective to late-night TV, attracting a new generation of viewers. His show has received critical acclaim and has solidified CBS’s presence in the late-night landscape.
Despite the ups and downs of CBS’s late-night eras, one thing is clear: the network has remained a key player in the late-night TV industry. With hosts like Merv Griffin, Pat Sajak, David Letterman, and Stephen Colbert, CBS has taken many runs at late-night TV, each leaving its mark on the network’s history.
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see who the next late-night star on CBS will be and how they will continue to shape the network’s late-night programming. Who do you think would be the perfect fit for CBS’s late-night lineup?
