late-night show
/leɪt naɪt ʃoʊ/
Meaning
A late-night show is a type of television comedy and variety show that airs late in the evening, usually after 11:00 PM. These programs typically feature a humorous monologue by the host, comedic sketches, celebrity interviews, and live musical performances. The tone is relaxed, entertaining, and conversational.
Examples
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I fell asleep on the couch while watching my favorite late-night show.
I fell asleep on the couch while watching my favorite late-night show.
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Did you see the interview with Zendaya on the late-night show yesterday?
Did you see the interview with Zendaya on the late-night show yesterday?
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Most late-night shows start with a funny monologue about current events.
Most late-night shows start with a funny monologue about current events.
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He got his big break as a writer for a popular late-night show.
He got his big break as a writer for a popular late-night show.
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I don't watch late-night shows live anymore; I just catch the clips on YouTube.
I don't watch late-night shows live anymore; I just catch the clips on YouTube.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I love watching late night's show.
✓ I love watching late-night shows.
Do not make 'night' possessive. 'Late-night' functions as a compound adjective modifying the noun 'show'.
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✗ Let's stay up and watch a late-night movie.
✓ Let's stay up and watch a late-night show.
While 'late-night movie' is grammatically correct, a 'late-night show' refers specifically to the talk and variety show format, not just any program broadcast late at night.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Jimmy Fallon hosts a very popular ___ on NBC.
💡 Think of a comedy talk show broadcast late in the evening.
Show answer
late-night show
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I missed the celebrity interview because the ___ started too late for me.
💡 It is a program that typically starts after 11:00 PM.
Show answer
late-night show