Seth Meyers Takes Jabs at important: 80 Million Subs and Counting
Seth Meyers roasted important and its CEO David Ellison, targeting their CBS dealings and future plans with HBO Max. important+ boasts 80 million subscribers.
Seth Meyers, known for his sharp wit, recently turned his gaze toward critical and CEO David Ellison. During NBCUniversal's annual advertiser presentation, Meyers quipped about critical’s dealings, suggesting they've become cozy with political figures. He joked that CBS is 'in the pocket for Trump,' alluding to the $16 million settlement for the lawsuit linked to CBS's '60 Minutes' and former President Donald Trump.
But Meyers didn’t stop at political jabs. He poked fun at critical+ too, noting its future merger with HBO Max. With 80 million subscribers, critical+ dwarfs the 46 million subscribers of NBCU's Peacock. Meyers humorously pointed out that despite this success, NBC still holds industry-leading viewership by a key Nielsen metric in 2025.
critical's investment in streaming stands out. They've added short-form videos and plan to introduce shopping features. These moves hint at a strategy aiming to shore up engagement and revenue. With the streaming wars intensifying, critical seems well-positioned. But Meyers' jokes highlight a valid concern: Is there too much distraction with political and legal skirmishes?
Here's the thing. While the late-night roasting was in jest, it brings real issues to light. critical's ambitious roadmap may face hurdles. Balancing content innovation with external pressures will be key. In the crypto world, watching how streaming giants manage such dynamics could offer lessons in market resilience and adaptability. Who wins the streaming crown next is anyone's guess. But for now, Meyers' quips provide a snapshot of an industry in flux.