In the midst of a changing media landscape, Conan O’Brien took the stage to reflect on the uncertain future of late-night television, warning that traditional formats “are going to disappear” while assuring fans that iconic voices like Stephen Colbert will continue to thrive.

Hollywood’s biggest night for television insiders unfolded Saturday at the J.W. Marriott L.A.

Live, where the Television Academy inducted six luminaries into its Hall of Fame, including Conan O’Brien, Viola Davis, Ryan Murphy, Henry Winkler, music composer Mike Post, and the late director Don Mischer.

O’Brien, honored by longtime friend Lisa Kudrow, used the platform to reflect on the seismic shifts rocking the late-night television landscape while offering reassurance about the enduring power of talent.

Opening his acceptance speech with his trademark humor, O’Brien addressed the current anxieties surrounding the television industry.

“You know, people say that television is dying, but I want to ask you — if our industry really was in trouble, would we be gathered right now for our greatest night in a downtown Los Angeles Marriott?

On a weekend? In August? No!” he quipped, immediately setting a tone that balanced levity with commentary.

The statement drew laughter and applause from an audience of fellow TV veterans, industry executives, and Hollywood celebrities.

Acknowledging the transformation of the medium, O’Brien noted, “Things are changing fast. I don’t claim to know the future of our beloved medium, but I know this: getting the privilege to play around with an hour of television has been the great joy of my professional career.”

He emphasized that while streaming platforms and digital delivery have disrupted traditional programming, the essence of television—storytelling, performance, and talent—remains potent.

“Streaming changes the pipeline, but the connection, the talent, the ideas that come into our homes, I think it’s as potent as ever, and we have proof here tonight,” he said, nodding to the accomplished cohort of honorees.

O’Brien’s remarks inevitably turned to the recent announcement that CBS will end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert next year.

He reassured audiences that while the late-night format may evolve or even disappear as it has been known since the 1950s, the voices of its greatest talents will endure.

“Yes, late night television as we have known it is going to disappear, but those voices are not going anywhere. People like Stephen Colbert are too talented and too essential to go away. It’s not going to happen, he’s not going anywhere.

Stephen is going to evolve and shine brighter than ever in a new format that he controls completely.” O’Brien’s endorsement underscored the respect and admiration he holds for Colbert’s influence and adaptability.

The ceremony featured emotional and humorous moments from the full slate of honorees.

TV Academy Chair Cris Abrego and WME’s Rick Rosen, chair of the Hall of Fame Committee, opened the evening, while Sally Field presented the first honor to Viola Davis. In her heartfelt speech, the EGOT winner reflected on the transformative power of television in her life.

“TV saved me, it was an elixir. And it has been equally fulfilling being that person in that small screen, leaping out to anybody who has allowed me in to shake up their lives in any way I can see fit.

My purpose is not what I do, it’s what happens to people when I’m doing it,” she said, eliciting a standing ovation from the audience.

Ryan Murphy, the prolific creator behind some of the most socially conscious programming of the past two decades, took the stage to both entertain and provoke.

With his signature wit, he joked, “At a certain age in Hollywood, if you’re really lucky and really do the work, you can get two things: a Hall of Fame award and a really good facelift. But first things first.”

Turning serious, Murphy reflected on the challenges facing storytelling for marginalized communities.

He detailed his contributions, noting over 250 gay characters, 300 women-over-40 characters, and more than 1,000 trans characters created across his career, highlighting the risk that decades of groundbreaking representation could be diminished amid cultural and industry shifts.

“A new darker age that I think none of us suspected has dawned. And so I am pivoting to continue the good fight, which is to create more work featuring the disenfranchised and the ignored, and the marginalized groups,” he said.

The evening also celebrated legends from television’s past. Bob Costas presented the award to Don Mischer, accepted by his wife and children, while Adam Sandler delivered a video tribute to Henry Winkler, highlighting the enduring impact of Winkler’s work from Happy Days to modern projects.

Music composer Mike Post and his iconic contributions to television theme songs were also recognized, rounding out an evening that honored both contemporary innovators and industry pioneers.

Throughout the ceremony, O’Brien’s reflections remained a throughline, blending humor with insight. He maintained that despite the disruptions to traditional broadcast models, compelling stories and authentic performances will always find an audience.

“I think TV will always prevail if the stories are good, if the performances are honest and inspire; if the people making it are brave and of good will,” O’Brien said, summarizing the optimism that balanced the evening’s discussions of change and uncertainty.

The Hall of Fame induction highlighted not only the talent of individual artists but also the resilience of an entire industry in flux.

As streaming services continue to reshape distribution and late-night formats evolve, the event served as a reminder that creativity and bold storytelling remain central to television’s legacy and future.

O’Brien’s assertion that Stephen Colbert and other key voices will continue to influence the medium reassures viewers that even as formats shift, the spirit of late-night television—and television itself—will endure.