Late-night talk shows have always been a staple of entertainment, but 2025 has turned them into a battleground for political drama, with hosts becoming unexpected targets of presidential scrutiny. This time, it’s not a celebrity scandal making headlines—it’s the wrath of former President Donald Trump, whose social media tirades against late-night hosts have become a bizarre yet defining feature of the genre. Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have already faced his ire, with Kimmel suspended and Colbert’s show canceled by 2026. Now, Seth Meyers, the affable host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, finds himself in Trump’s crosshairs, labeled a “deranged lunatic” in a Truth Social post that suggested NBC should fire him. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Trump’s attacks have been divisive, they’ve also breathed new life into late-night TV, boosting viewership and engagement to levels not seen in years. Is this the unintended consequence of political polarization, or a testament to the resilience of comedy in the face of adversity? And this is the part most people miss: Meyers and his peers are not just surviving—they’re thriving, using the chaos as fuel for their most compelling material yet.
In a recent virtual press conference, Meyers reflected on the surreal experience of being at the center of this storm. “It certainly makes you appreciate the privilege of having a show like this,” he said, adding, “It reminds the audience how nice it is to have shows like these.” But he also acknowledged the toll it takes, particularly after Kimmel’s suspension left the industry reeling. “That was the worst—not knowing if Jimmy would return,” Meyers admitted. “We’re all just happy to be doing these shows every day.”
Meyers’ segment A Closer Look has become a lightning rod for Trump’s frustration, with one recent episode—featuring Trump’s bizarre comments about catapults—sparking yet another social media attack. “I don’t try to live in the body of social media on the weekends,” Meyers joked, “but all of a sudden, I’m getting texts about the President attacking me.” What’s striking is how Meyers turned the absurdity into comedy, pointing out the irony of Trump accusing him of talking too much about catapults. “Even his supporters were like, ‘Is that why we’re mad at him?’” Meyers quipped. But here’s the real question: Does Trump’s obsession with late-night hosts distract from more pressing issues, or is it a symptom of a larger cultural divide?
Despite the drama, Meyers insists the White House furor hasn’t changed his approach to the show. “We’re making hay while the sun shines,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of linear TV in the digital age. His team is already adapting, with content thriving on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube. But here’s the controversial take: Is late-night TV clinging to an outdated model, or is it evolving in ways we haven’t fully grasped yet?
One might assume Meyers spends his days devouring news, but he admits, “I get my news from working on a show that’s about the news.” It’s a refreshing honesty that underscores the show’s real-time, slightly chaotic energy. “There’s a freshness to the show because we write it as if we’re reacting in the moment,” he explained. But is this approach sustainable, or is it a recipe for burnout in an era of relentless news cycles?
A typical day for Meyers starts at 8:45 a.m. and culminates in a 4 p.m. taping, sandwiched between The Tonight Show’s schedule to avoid The Roots’ loud rehearsals. He spends his mornings refining A Closer Look, collaborating with writers Sal Gentile and Emily Erotas, and adding his signature humor. “I don’t want to overprepare for guests,” he said, “especially those who are happy to talk about anything.” But what happens when a guest cancels last minute? Meyers revealed a hilarious solution: once, they interviewed Wally the Cue Card Guy, a decision he now regrets. “It’s gone straight to his head,” Meyers joked. If it happened again, he’d call on SNL alums like Colin Jost and Michael Che.
As late-night TV navigates this tumultuous era, one thing is clear: Seth Meyers isn’t just surviving—he’s redefining what it means to host a show in the age of political chaos. But here’s the final thought-provoking question: Is this the golden age of late-night comedy, or are we watching its last gasp before it’s replaced by something entirely new? Let us know what you think in the comments—agree or disagree, the conversation is just getting started.
