NBC isn’t cutting “Late Night” off the network’s regular schedule, but it is set to cut the show’s budget significantly. The 8G Band, an integral part of Seth Meyers’ program since its inception in 2014, will stop appearing on the after-hours NBC show starting this fall.
Sudden Changes for the 8G Band
Eli Janney, the band’s keyboardist, told Vulture that the trio was informed recently about their removal due to budget cuts. He shared that In the end, NBC was adamant about where they wanted the budget to go.
Janney added that it wasn’t just about the band, stating It’s not just the band; there’s a whole crew that works with the band, so there’s a lot of people employed.
NBC’s Future Plans
Despite these significant changes, NBC announced in May that it had renewed “Late Night With Seth Meyers” through 2028. This renewal comes after a period of speculation about whether the program would continue in an era when late-night programming is under scrutiny. These shows remain popular cultural touchstones, but new ways people watch them—such as perusing clips via social media—have affected their ratings, forcing networks to re-evaluate their finances.
Not Just ‘Late Night’ Going Through Changes
Several prominent late-night hosts have bowed out recently, including James Corden, Conan O’Brien, Trevor Noah, and Samantha Bee. Networks like CBS and Comedy Central have developed lower-cost models to replace them. For instance, CBS’s @fter Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, features a rotating trio of comics instead of a traditional format.
A Legacy of Musical Support
The tradition of having an in-house band has long been a staple of late-night TV shows. Musicians like Paul Shaffer, Max Weinberg, and Reggie Watts have all made significant contributions with their respective hosts on notable programs. Current examples include The Roots on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and the ever-present band on “Saturday Night Live”. CBS’s “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” previously relied on Jon Batiste and now features Louis Cato.
A New Direction
The announcement of Mario Duplantier from Gojira joining The 8G Band brings a fresh musical dynamic despite these cutbacks. According to Gojira,Mario will soon be sitting in on drums with The 8G Band on NBC’s Late Night w/Seth Meyers! Make sure to watch him shred during…
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