seth meyers opens up about late night uncertainty and its impact on his mental health host seth meyers monologue jul

Seth Meyers has long been a mainstay of late night television, blending sharp political satire with offbeat humor on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. But the comedian recently revealed that the future of the show is far from guaranteed — and it’s a reality that’s weighing heavily on him.

Speaking candidly on the Armchair Expert podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, Meyers discussed the fragile nature of late night programming amid a rapidly changing media landscape. With Stephen Colbert’s The Late Show facing potential cancellation, questions are now swirling around the longevity of Meyers’ own program. “It’s a real possibility,” Meyers said. “And it’s outside of my control.”

How Is Late Night With Seth Meyers Affected by Industry Shifts?

The TV industry has undergone seismic changes in recent years, with streaming platforms overtaking traditional broadcast networks. Viewership for late night television has steadily declined, forcing networks to reassess the viability of costly productions.

Meyers acknowledged these shifting dynamics. “I don’t think anybody gets to have a job like this forever anymore,” he told Shepard. While NBC has not made any official announcements regarding Late Night, the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert sent a chilling message across the genre. For Meyers, it highlights just how precarious his position is, no matter how successful his run has been.

He emphasized that while the show still performs well in its time slot and garners consistent praise for its political content and writing, it’s not immune to network decisions driven by budget constraints and shifting viewer habits.

What Does Losing the Show Mean for Seth Meyers Personally?

Meyers didn’t shy away from discussing the personal ramifications. He spoke openly about how losing the show could impact his mental health, explaining that much of his day-to-day structure and creative fulfillment is tied to producing Late Night.

“It would be very difficult,” he said. “When you lose the routine that gives you purpose, you have to find something to replace it quickly.”

This level of honesty is rare among public figures, and it adds a layer of depth to Meyers’ public persona. Rather than brushing aside the topic, he acknowledged that creative work provides a stabilizing force in his life, helping him manage stress and stay focused.

The support from peers has been strong. After news broke about Colbert’s situation, fellow hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon rallied behind him. Meyers expressed gratitude for being part of that tight-knit circle, saying the camaraderie helps during uncertain times.

Is There a Future for Traditional Late Night Shows?

Despite the uncertainty, Meyers remains cautiously optimistic. He pointed to the enduring appeal of topical comedy and the unique space late night shows occupy in American culture. “There’s still something special about turning on the TV and seeing someone react in real-time to what’s happening in the world,” he said.

Still, he knows the format must evolve. “We have to be open to change,” Meyers noted, hinting at potential shifts in format or platform if Late Night ends. Whether that means moving to a digital-first model or exploring podcasting, Meyers seems ready to adapt — though he admits the transition won’t be easy.

For now, he’s focused on making the most of his current role. “Every show feels like a gift,” he said. And as long as the lights are still on at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Seth Meyers intends to keep delivering his brand of comedy night after night.

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