How Late-Night TV Shows’ Post-Pandemic Changes Could Impact Emmys’ Variety Talk Race
Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeIt’s a race that has been dominated by “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” since 2016, after Jon Stewart left “The Daily Show.” Ironically, Stewart is back in contention this year with “The Problem With Jon Stewart.” But the larger question of whether Oliver’s dominance may finally be tested comes as the talkers showcase COVID-era creative renaissance.With no audience to play with, James Corden turned to the staff and producers in his empty studio — and made CBS late-night exec Nick Bernstein into a star, as he was the butt of countless jokes and stunts. “The Daily Show” created segments in of the correspondents’ homes, and musical guests left the studio and produced what were essentially mini-music videos for their appearances.