Kimmel Looks to the Future of Late Night at Critics Choice Awards
Kimmel Looks to the Future of Late Night at Critics Choice Awards
Jimmy Kimmel weighs the future of late-night on stage at Critics Choice Awards, roasting politics and hinting at the evolving TV format.
At the Critics Choice Awards, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel offered a candid take on the future of his format, saying the landscape is changing as streaming and on-demand viewing reshape how audiences watch talk shows. He spoke about staying true to the show's voice while embracing new forms of storytelling and shorter clips that fans can share online.
Kimmel also looked back on the past year, describing it as 'almost a near-death experience' in the sense of the headlines surrounding the show, but he credited viewers and colleagues for keeping the program relevant through upheaval in networks and ownership.
In his Best Talk Show acceptance speech, he sprinkled humor about politics, thanking the audience and even addressing the political world with a quip that critics picked up on later. One line that drew attention referenced a playful jab that has circulated online, with talk of the moniker 'Donald Jennifer Trump' and commentary that a different prize would have fit the moment better. The jokes underscored that late-night comedy remains a forum for sharp political satire even as formats evolve.
Overall, Kimmel's remarks pointed to a future where late-night embraces flexibility—more streaming-friendly formats, tighter clips, and a continued focus on honest, human conversation that can cut through the noise while keeping audiences laughing.
The moment drew applause from the critics and the audience, underscoring Kimmel's enduring appeal as a face of late-night resilience even as the industry undergoes change.