The Late Shift

Audience emotional responses are primarily driven by the film's blend of comedy and drama. Humor, joy, and happiness stem from the satirical portrayal of the cutthroat late-night television world and the recognizable personalities. Sadness, empathy, and melancholy arise from the dramatic disappointment of David Letterman being passed over and the ruthless downfall of Jay Leno's manager, Helen Kushnick. Underlying tension and anticipation are present due to the high-stakes network politics, while nostalgia and curiosity are evoked by the real-life events depicted.