Julian Shapiro-Barnum Launches ‘Outside Tonight,’ a New Late-Night Show on YouTube

Julian Shapiro-Barnum, known for the social media series ‘Recess Therapy,’ has ventured into the late-night show scene with ‘Outside Tonight.’ Filming took place in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Unlike traditional late-night shows, ‘Outside Tonight’ airs exclusively on YouTube. This represents a shift away from broadcasting networks or streaming services like Netflix.

The format includes familiar elements: a desk, a band, opening monologues, interviews, musical guests, sketches, and games. However, the similarities with conventional late-night stops there. The host, Shapiro-Barnum, is a 26-year-old digital native known for his internet presence rather than connections to established shows like ‘Saturday Night Live’ or ‘The Daily Show.’

Unique in other ways, ‘Outside Tonight’ operates without backing from a major media company. The budget is minimal compared to traditional late-night shows, which often exceed $100 million. Fittingly, the episodes are filmed outdoors and released weekly.

“Outside Tonight” reflects a broader effort to rejuvenate a genre facing challenges. Declining ratings, reduced advertising revenue, and fewer late-night series on TV and streaming platforms indicate an existential crisis. CBS departed from producing late-night TV by canceling Stephen Colbert’s ‘Late Show’ due to financial losses estimated at $40 million last year. ABC may also exit the late-night landscape once Jimmy Kimmel retires.

In his debut monologue, Shapiro-Barnum playfully asked whether ‘Outside Tonight’ is saving late-night television. He admitted this might be a bold claim but emphasized the fun in saying it.