NBC pulls plug on 'Later'

"Later" Host Cynthia Garrett interviews Lenny Kravitz in February 2000. The late-night show has been cancelled by NBC to make room for more comedy programs

HOLLYWOOD (Reuters) -- NBC-ya "Later." The network has decided to end production on the long-running talk show, choosing instead to use the 1:35 a.m. time slot following Conan O'Brien to launch new experimental comedy programs.

The last original installment of "Later," hosted by Cynthia Garrett, will air sometime next month. NBC is still finalizing plans for the new show and hopes to premiere the program sometime in early 2001.

The decision to pull "Later" after a 12-year run follows NBC's move to replace veteran wee-hours music video series "Friday Night" with a new alternative standup comedy showcase.

While ratings for "Later" have been stable in recent years, NBC execs believe the post-"Late Night With Conan O'Brien" time slot is more valuable as a breeding ground for new programs rather than as a home for another entry in the oversaturated gabfest market.

"We consider this time period a laboratory to experiment with an idea or a personality that could perhaps find its way to primetime," said Ted Harbert, president of NBC Studios, which produces "Later."

Harbert said that NBC had been pleased with the performance of "Later," particularly since Garrett was named full-time host of the series in January.

"Cynthia did a great job," he said. "We just wanted to go develop a comedy show."

Harbert said NBC Studios is considering several possible concepts for a new show, and is open to suggestions from "Saturday Night Live"/"Late Night" executive producer Lorne Michaels and O'Brien's fledgling production company. "We'll be talking to all of them," he said.

The exit of "Later" in favor of a comedy series will likely be seen as good news at the "Late Night" camp, which has long felt O'Brien's show would be best served by a comedy leadout, industry insiders said.

"Later" bowed in 1988 as a vehicle for sportscaster Bob Costas, who hosted the program until 1994. The show was known then for its in-depth interviews with a single guest.

Greg Kinnear replaced Costas, moving the show in a more comic-based direction before moving on to movie stardom in 1996. Rotating guest hosts fronted the show until Garrett took over full-time in January.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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