Nick Cannon’s latest media venture is shaking up late-night television. The multi-hyphenate recently launched Nick Cannon @ Nite on Wondery, putting his twist on the traditional late-night talk show.
Nick Cannon @ Night is a blend of comedy, audience antics and unfiltered discussions on relationships, intimacy and sex.
“The goal is to offer insight to people who have questions,” Cannon told Blavity’s Shadow and Act, while joking about his new show possibly prying into people’s personal lives.
In a smoky nightclub setting, the show features segments where in-studio audience members get candid, asking Cannon and a panel of experts every question under the sun. No topic is off limits and is always met without judgment.
Each episode also features a special celebrity guest, including Raven-Symoné and Melyssa Ford, who often jump in to provide feedback, but also don’t shy away from spilling their beans in hopes of getting some humorous enlightenment as well.
“It’s a different type of conversation here. I think it was refreshing to a lot of people and the idea of having an open forum is appealing. We’re able to not only have discussions about love, sex and relationships but also to receive advice from professionals,” Cannon said.
He continued, “I believe it is unique, and I’ve always encouraged the world of therapy. I’ve always encouraged seeking counsel when it comes to anything, male or female. It’s the idea of just saying, ‘Hey, we don’t know everything, but we can share our experiences.'”
Wild topics and authentic reactions
While Cannon does a great job of “facilitating the mess” in the studio, the host also takes the “no-judgment zone” outside, letting people on the street get in on the fun.
“That’s also the at-night experience, I had to touch the people. I had to get in the streets,” he said. Cannon revealed the “wild” topics from the streets can include “everything from BBLs to gaslighting.”
“It’s a lot of fun to hear what the people outside are talking about… I love it. I let people speak their truth,” Cannon said, adding that he thinks no topic or question is “too much.”
He jokingly said that some of the “inebriated” street guests were sure to question their actions when they see the show, but that’s the beauty of open conversation.
“It’s authenticity at its finest,” he boasted.
How the show is more than just shock value
Since he started in the entertainment industry, Cannon has made his mark in film, music, television and podcasting. His ability to seamlessly transition from one facet to another is evident in his career spanning over 30 years.
“That’s the beauty of the landscape today. As a young entertainer, I always felt like there were so many boxes, and you had to be either this or you were that. But the landscape today allows you just to be creative. So the fact that I’m still in it and able to do it at a high level is a blessing.”
Although the risqué conversations and topics on Nick Cannon @ Night are a far cry from Cannon’s previous family-friendly daytime talk show, The Nick Cannon Show, it’s for more than just the shock value.
“Hopefully, it enhances the sexual wellness space because over the years, there have been so many taboo topics that ultimately cause people to be ashamed or withholding. And now they’re liberated. So to be able to say, ‘Look, everybody got a little freak in them.’ Now, we can openly discuss this in a healthy environment.”
New episodes of Nick Cannon @ Night drop every week on YouTube and Wondery+.
