Bowen Yang Supports Late Night TV Despite His Podcast's Success

The former SNL star doesn't want the traditional late-night format to disappear.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 11:39pm

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Bowen Yang, who left Saturday Night Live during Season 51 and now hosts a popular podcast with Matt Rogers, has expressed his desire to see late-night television continue to thrive despite the changing media landscape. Yang acknowledged the recent cancellations of shows hosted by Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel as signs that the late-night format is facing challenges, but he remains a staunch supporter of the traditional late-night model.

Why it matters

Yang's comments highlight the ongoing evolution of the entertainment industry, as digital creators like himself gain prominence while traditional late-night TV faces uncertainty. His perspective provides insight into how some entertainers view the future of late-night programming and their desire to see it endure.

The details

Yang and Rogers have found success with their podcast "Las Culturistas," which has featured interviews with A-list celebrities. The duo was even featured in a Vanity Fair article about digital creators who are "shattering the talk show format" and creating a "new late night." However, despite his own success in the digital space, Yang made it clear that he feels "very protective" of late-night TV, especially in the wake of Colbert's show being canceled and Kimmel's program being taken off the air.

  • In 2026, Stephen Colbert's late-night show aired its final episodes.
  • Last fall, Jimmy Kimmel Live! was suspended due to comments made by host Jimmy Kimmel about Charlie Kirk.

The players

Bowen Yang

A former cast member of Saturday Night Live who now hosts the successful podcast "Las Culturistas" with Matt Rogers.

Matt Rogers

Bowen Yang's co-host on the podcast "Las Culturistas."

Stephen Colbert

The former host of The Late Show, whose program was canceled in 2026.

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, whose show was temporarily suspended last fall due to comments he made on air.

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What they’re saying

“I feel very protective of it. Especially after Kimmel, especially after Colbert.”

— Bowen Yang

“It's clear there's a nerve that's being hit.”

— Bowen Yang

The takeaway

Bowen Yang's comments highlight the complex and evolving nature of the entertainment industry, as digital creators gain prominence while traditional late-night television faces challenges. Despite his own success in the podcast space, Yang remains a staunch supporter of the late-night format, underscoring the enduring appeal and importance of this longstanding entertainment institution.