Is there a more heartrending sight than witnessing a late-night luminary stripped of their show’s spotlight? Picture this: crafting witticisms in the confines of their kitchen, swapping tailored suits for comfortable bathrobes, squinting in the harsh midday glow. But fear not, for the titans of late-night television have decided to channel their energies away from pestering their household members and channel them toward a noble cause.
Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver—veritable giants in the realm of late-night entertainment—have joined forces to create “Empower Hour,” a limited podcast series chronicling their experiences during the writers’ and actors’ strikes, all while striving to make a difference.
Launching exclusively on Spotify on August 30th, Empower Hour is poised to grace the airwaves for a minimum of 12 weeks. Each episode will feature the quintet engaging in lively banter, with the hosting duties rotating among them. However, the true beauty of this endeavor lies in its altruistic backbone: all proceeds generated by the podcast will be channeled towards supporting their dedicated late-night staff who have fallen victim to the unfortunate spells of unemployment.
The eruption of the Writers Guild of America’s strike in early May sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving a trail of silenced late-night shows in its wake. Such programs, reliant on swiftly tailored scripts to orchestrate their timely jests, were the initial casualties of the upheaval. In response, Colbert and his compatriots initiated a weekly rendezvous via Zoom, igniting discussions that eventually birthed the idea of a podcast infused with celebrity essence.
Reports from Deadline unveil the remarkable efforts of this dynamic quintuplet, who have not only sustained their virtual powwows but have also extended their support to the striking writers. Frequently supplying sustenance and refreshments to the determined picketers braving the frontlines, they even shouldered the financial burden to maintain the well-being of their staff members post-show shutdowns.
Amidst the backdrop of professional rivalry, an undercurrent of amiable camaraderie weaves its way among these illustrious hosts. Even as John Oliver garnered the lion’s share of Emmy accolades in recent years, the quintet’s harmonious interactions remained unwavering.
The month of April witnessed an awe-inspiring display of unity as Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, and the elder statesman of late-night television, David Letterman, gathered for a momentous farewell tribute. In a poignant episode commemorating James Corden’s final curtain call on “The Late Late Show,” these luminaries, joined by a cameo appearance from the dearly missed Trevor Noah of “The Daily Show,” encapsulated the essence of solidarity that defines their fraternity.
“Empower Hour” stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. As the late-night maestros step out of their familiar television milieu, they embrace a new medium, their voices echoing not only their personal narratives but also the stories of countless others affected by the unpredictable tides of the entertainment landscape. The podcast’s launch heralds a clarion call for unity, compassion, and the unwavering support of the often-unseen forces that make late-night television an enduring source of laughter and commentary.
So, mark your calendars for August 30th, when the dulcet tones of Colbert, Fallon, Kimmel, Meyers, and Oliver will resonate through the digital airwaves, weaving a tapestry of insight, camaraderie, and hope. Through “Empower Hour,” these late-night luminaries illuminate a path toward a brighter future, proving that even in the face of uncertainty, the power of collaboration and giving back can serve as a guiding light.