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Tag: late night television

  • ‘Chelsea Lately’ Cancelled, Final Episode Scheduled to Air In August

    Chelsea Lately won’t be returning for an eighth season.

    According to E! News, the network has announced that the final episode is scheduled to air Tuesday, August 26 at 11 p.m. ET. However, the bittersweet announcement does have a silver lining. E! has also planned to use the entire month of August for a farewell celebration, which will include an array of special guests and playback of the show’s most memorable moments.

    On Wednesday, May 28, comedienne-talk show host Chelsea Handler released a statement about her upcoming departure from late-night television.

    “I myself am more surprised than anyone that I was able to hold down a job for seven years, and it was a fantastic seven years,” Handler said. “I will always look back at my time on E! as most people look back at their time in college. I’m glad I went.​”

    E! President Suzanne Kolb also weighed in with a statement in regards to Handler and the show’s seven years of success.

    “We are very proud of Chelsea Lately’s long-running success  and the unique space that the series carved out in late night television,” Kolb said. “Chelsea brought a distinct voice to late night with her acerbic wit and fearless commentary and we look forward to providing  fans with a memorable send-off that lives up to that tradition. Most of all, we  are grateful to the ‘Chelsea Lately’ team for making this show so special for seven years.”

    Chelsea Lately debuted on July 16, 2007. The late-night comedy talk show’s ratings peaked on October 10, 2011 with an impressive 1.8 million viewers, following the Kardashian Wedding Special. However, the show has seen a gradual decline in viewership over the past two years. Between 2012 and 2013, the show’s viewership decreased drastically, dropping from an estimated average of 613,000 viewers to approximately 571,000.

    Although the final episode is in the near future, the party isn’t over just yet. Fans can still tune into E! for new episodes of Chelsea Lately every night at 11 p.m. until the series finale on August 26.

    Image via Chelsea Lately, Facebook (1) (2)

  • Conan O’Brien Signs With TBS For Another Four Years

    Chalk up another win for Team Coco.

    The world of late night talk shows will be much different this time next year. David Letterman has already announced his retirement, Stephen Colbert will take his place at CBS, and Craig Ferguson is exiting The Late Late Show later this year.

    However, TBS is sticking with Coco. The cable network announced at the upfronts in New York City today that it has officially renewed Conan through 2018. Head of programming at TBS and TNT Michael Wright explained the network’s decision, “Over the past four years, we have built a terrific relationship with Conan O’Brien and are thrilled to be extending his series for another three years.” He added, “We couldn’t have asked for a better late-night host or a more enthusiastic ambassador for the TBS brand.”

    O’Brien has hosted Conan on TBS since 2010. Although the show averages about 800,000 viewers per night, Wright cited O’Brien’s ability to bring a young fanbase to the program. Additionally, Conan scores strong with the advertising-desirable 18-34 demo. The 51-year-old also has a massive social media presence with 10.7 million followers on Twitter, plus another 2.5 million Facebook fans.

    Here are a few recent gems from his Twitter page:

    Once David Letterman says “good night” for the final time next year, O’Brien will become the longest-running host of late night television. Late Night with Conan O’Brien premiered on September 13, 1993.

    In a recent interview with The Wrap, O’Brien spoke about his journey and what he’s learned from his years on the late night circuit, “It’s very humbling to do this show. The thing you don’t know when you’re younger is you think it’s all about getting there. And then at one point people start to tell you, by your 25-year-old definition, you got there — but you’re still not satisfied. I won’t say you redefine what it is, but you realize the trick, as you get a little older, is especially in comedy to me — there are comedians who are still inspirational to me. Steve Martin is still the funniest guy in the room. Martin Short is still the funniest guy in the room.”

    You can check out Conan weeknights 11/10c on TBS.

    Image via Conan O’Brien, Twitter

  • Drake Takes Over ‘SNL’, Recap of The Best Sketches

    Drake Takes Over ‘SNL’, Recap of The Best Sketches

    Nothing Was The Same.

    The title of Drake’s album is an excellent metaphor for the latest episode of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, because nothing about the “All Me” rapper was anything remotely close to what fans are accustomed to seeing from him.

    Although he’s reached incredible heights as a YMCMB rapper, the former Degrassi star proved that he still has substantial acting skills.

    Drake performed a number of hilarious skits that were surprisingly refreshing since many were unaware of what to expect from ‘October’s Very Own’.

    However, he delivered in great fashion with comedic sketches that bridged the gap between his rapping and acting abilities.

    According to TV Guide, the episode’s best clips captured the platinum-selling rapper highlighting his bar mitzvah, transforming into a dork, and impersonating some of music’s most notable rappers. Check out the quick recap of the episode’s best sketches:

    http://youtu.be/zqTXwvo4MY0

    The Canadian rapper was also a dead ringer for comedian-actor Katt Williams. Drake portrayed Williams discussing the legalization of marijuana in an interview with ‘Nancy Grace’. From the silky, flowing permed hairstyle to his signature velvet blazer, the rapper was a dead ringer for the It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’ comedian.

    http://youtu.be/6dDj45DJ3dc

    Then, last but definitely not least, it wouldn’t be right if he passed up the opportunity to impersonate YMCMB front-runner Lil’ Wayne. So, the episode captures Drake in another comedic skit which features an ‘Urkel-like’ Lil’ Wayne on the television show Before They Were Stars. Drake teamed up with Kenan Thompson who portrays MTV television personality Sway in the skit.

    However, he doesn’t stop with just Wayne. He also impersonates Eminem and Jay-Z in the early years of their careers. SNL’s newest cast member Sasheer Zamata also impersonates Rihanna.

    http://youtu.be/BYB-kBwJOc4

    Of course, Drake graced the stage performing a few of his hit records including the fan favorite “Started From the Bottom.”

    http://youtu.be/n_kfdJHud2M

    Image via Facebook | Drake