In a bold move that’s shaking up late-night television, ABC has announced the replacement of longtime host Jimmy Kimmel with a brand-new show featuring conservative commentators Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens. The surprising pivot signals a significant shift in the network’s programming strategy, aiming to attract a fresh audience with a politically charged late-night format.

Jimmy Kimmel, who has helmed Jimmy Kimmel Live! since 2003, built a reputation for blending comedy with progressive political commentary. However, recent ratings struggles and shifting viewer demographics reportedly prompted ABC to explore a new direction. Enter Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News heavyweight, and Candace Owens, a rising star in conservative media, to helm the revamped program.

The yet-untitled show promises to combine news commentary, cultural discussions, and humor from a distinctly conservative perspective. Carlson’s sharp takes and Owens’ unapologetic style are expected to set the tone for a late-night experience unlike anything currently on network television.

Reactions to the announcement have been polarizing. Supporters of Carlson and Owens are celebrating the decision as a much-needed counterbalance to the liberal dominance of late-night television. Critics, however, have expressed concern about the potential for divisive rhetoric and the erosion of traditional entertainment-focused late-night content.

ABC’s gamble reflects a broader trend in media as networks experiment with new formats to retain audiences in an increasingly fragmented landscape. Whether the show will succeed in revitalizing the time slot or deepen the polarization in late-night TV remains to be seen.

What’s your take on this dramatic shift? Will Carlson and Owens redefine late-night television, or will the experiment fall flat?