“The Evolution Of Late Night Is Here”: Ben Gleib Talks Launching World’s First YouTube-Native Late-Night Talk Show From His House – Comedy Means Business Podcast

Why It Matters

The launch demonstrates a viable new business model for late‑night programming that bypasses costly network infrastructure, signaling a shift toward platform‑native, low‑budget content that could reshape how advertisers and creators monetize talk‑show formats.

Summary

Comedian Ben Gleib is launching *Good Night with Ben Gleib*, the first late‑night talk show designed specifically for YouTube, debuting on May 28, a week after *The Late Show* was cancelled. The show will be produced from Gleib’s Los Angeles home, with a lean budget of about $1.5 million for a 42‑episode first season plus 42 post‑show episodes, featuring a virtual audience and after‑party segments. Gleib has assembled industry talent, including Black Eyed Peas drummer Keith Harris as band leader and Stewart Bailey as showrunner, to create a format that leverages short‑form clips and digital distribution rather than traditional broadcast. He aims to grow the property into a multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar brand through ad revenue, virtual ticket sales, spin‑offs, touring, and merchandise.