Late-night television has always been a staple of popular culture, with hosts past and present making their mark on the big and small screens. The latest addition to this trend is the new horror-thriller film “Late Night With the Devil,” starring David Dastmalchian as the host of “Night Owls With Jack Delroy.” Set on Halloween night in 1977, the movie takes a dark turn during a live broadcast of an occult-themed episode, shot in a found-footage style that unearths a “lost” episode.
The film is a satirical throwback to the era’s supernatural and religious fanaticism, with a notable nod to “The Exorcist.” It is now in theaters and will be streaming on Shudder on April 22. “Late Night With the Devil” is just the latest in a string of late-night moments that have made their way to both the big and small screens.
From fictional late-night hosts appearing in movies and TV shows to real-life hosts lending their sets to projects, late-night television has played a significant role in shaping popular culture. Some notable examples include:
– “Looking for Love” (1964): A film starring Connie Francis as an aspiring singer who finds success after appearing on “The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson.”
– “The King of Comedy” (1983): A dark satire directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro as a fame-obsessed aspiring comedian who kidnaps a late-night host.
– “The Larry Sanders Show” (1992-1998): An HBO parody of late-night talk shows starring Garry Shandling, featuring comedians playing exaggerated versions of themselves.
– “The Late Shift” (1996): A made-for-TV movie based on the industry conflict surrounding Jay Leno and David Letterman’s battle for “The Tonight Show.”
– “Seinfeld” (1997): An episode featuring Kramer hosting his own late-night talk show in his apartment, leading to chaos and hilarity.
These examples showcase the enduring influence of late-night television on popular culture, with hosts and their shows making their mark in various forms of media. “Late Night With the Devil” is just the latest addition to this rich tradition, offering a unique and thrilling take on the late-night genre.
