Late Show vs. The Tonight Show

Attribute	Late Show	The Tonight Show
Host	Stephen Colbert	Jimmy Fallon
Network	CBS	NBC
Debut Year	2015	1954
Time Slot	11:35 PM	11:35 PM
Location	New York City	New York City

Hosts

The Late Show is currently hosted by Stephen Colbert, who took over from David Letterman in 2015. Colbert is known for his sharp wit and political commentary, making the show a popular choice for viewers interested in current events. On the other hand, The Tonight Show is hosted by Jimmy Fallon, who is known for his comedic sketches and celebrity interviews. Fallon's style is more light-hearted and entertainment-focused compared to Colbert's more serious tone.

Format

The Late Show follows a more traditional late-night talk show format, with a monologue, guest interviews, and musical performances. Colbert often incorporates political humor and satire into his monologues, making the show a favorite among viewers looking for a more intellectual take on current events. In contrast, The Tonight Show features more comedic sketches and games, with Fallon often participating in silly antics with his guests. The show has a more relaxed and fun atmosphere compared to The Late Show.

Guests

Both The Late Show and The Tonight Show feature a wide range of celebrity guests, including actors, musicians, and politicians. However, The Late Show tends to attract more high-profile guests due to Colbert's reputation as a serious interviewer. Guests on The Late Show often engage in in-depth discussions on a variety of topics, making it a popular choice for viewers interested in more substantive conversations. On the other hand, The Tonight Show is known for its fun and light-hearted interviews, with guests often participating in games and sketches with Fallon.

Popularity

While both The Late Show and The Tonight Show have loyal fan bases, The Tonight Show tends to have higher ratings and a larger audience. Fallon's more mainstream appeal and entertaining segments have helped the show attract a wider demographic of viewers, including younger audiences. The Late Show, on the other hand, has a more niche audience that appreciates Colbert's political humor and intellectual discussions. Both shows have their own strengths and appeal to different types of viewers.

Legacy

The Tonight Show has a long and storied history, with hosts like Johnny Carson and Jay Leno becoming iconic figures in late-night television. Fallon has continued this legacy with his own brand of humor and entertainment, making The Tonight Show a staple of late-night TV. The Late Show, on the other hand, has a shorter history, with Colbert taking over from Letterman in 2015. However, Colbert has made a name for himself with his unique style and approach to late-night comedy, solidifying The Late Show as a respected and popular program.