In the middle of election season, one of the best platforms for dissecting issues and their impacts is going away.
In the midst of a wild and unpredictable presidential campaign, Comedy Central is upending its late-night lineup and canceling Larry Wilmore’s show.
The final episode of Mr. Wilmore’s 11:30 p.m. “The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore” will be Thursday, the network announced on Monday.
According to Comedy Central, ratings are to blame. with The Nightly Show coming in behind not only The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, but other cable programs.
The awkward timing of the cancellation, just 12 weeks before the election, ultimately came down to a contract, Mr. Alterman said. Mr. Wilmore’s deal, along with those of several of the show’s other staff members, was set to expire in a few weeks and the network had to decide now whether to renew or cancel.
“Awkward” is putting it mildly. And though The Nightly Show may have had low ratings overall, it was both a unique voice for people of color, and a unique experiment with its round-table approach rather than the celebrity interviews that make up act two of most late night shows.
Any way you slice it, it’s a painful loss. Thank you, Larry. You’ll be missed.