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Back to Hollywood Breakdown

Hollywood Breakdown

Looking back at the year in late night

With Samantha Bee, we finally have a woman hosting a late night show, Seth Meyers delivers cutting commentary and hosts like Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah find their footing.

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By Kim Masters • Dec 23, 2016 • 3m Listen

The latter half of 2015 saw the retirement of two late night icons -- David Letterman and Jon Stewart -- and this year we've seen their replacements come into their own. Both Stephen Colbert on CBS' Late Show and Trevor Noah on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, initially had some struggles connecting with viewers, but a year out, both hosts seem more comfortable in their new hosting roles. On NBC, Seth Meyers has quietly become the go-to guy for smart, in-depth looks at issues in his "Closer Look" segments, as well as delivering several memorable opening monologues related to this year's election. On TBS, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee has received strong reviews for her strong comedic voice and thoughtful segments -- the main complaint being that her show only airs once a week.

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    Kim Masters

    partner/writer at Puck News, host of KCRW's “The Business.”

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    Michael Schneider

    Senior editor at Variety

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    Kaitlin Parker

    Producer, 'The Business' and 'Hollywood Breakdown'

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