Late-night hosts may be heading back to TV

The four major late-night hosts (Leno, Letterman, O’Brien and Ferguson) are considering a return despite the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike, according to a report in Variety.

Ratings for the late-night talk shows, which are airing reruns, have taken a nosedive since the strike began two months ago. The networks are anxious to get their hosts back on air. But who will be first?

Carson Daly, host of “Last Call,” who is not a member of the WGA, has already returned — to the sounds of audience protests. This week, 20 WGA members reportedly infiltrated Daly’s studio audience, vocally disrupting his taping.

Looking to avoid similar snafus, the remaining hosts are reportedly in talks to return around the same time. New late-night programming could reportedly return as soon as Jan. 7, if not sooner.

Two shows, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and ABC’s “Nightline,” have been reaping the benefits of the strike.

Though Jimmy Kimmel is airing reruns just like his fellow late night hosts, he has viewers tuning in, giving the newest of the late-night shows decent ratings for repeats.

“Nightline” has beat Letterman and Leno for the first time since 1995.

3141 hcarroll Published 12/14/07   Message Add to Friends

 

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