Friday

07-18-2025 Vol 2025

Chicago Talk Show Aims to Shine Spotlight on Local Talent and Issues

In a city known for its vibrant arts scene, comedian Justin Swinson is carving out a unique niche with his monthly talk show, “The Not That Late Show.”

Since its inception in 2018, the show seeks to reflect the pulse of Chicago, bringing attention to both pressing issues and lighthearted comedic moments specific to the Windy City.

Swinson believes Chicago deserves a platform akin to those enjoyed by popular late-night talk programs based in New York City or Los Angeles.

“We are just like any show that you would stay up late for, like Colbert or ‘The Daily Show’ or Jimmy Fallon,” Swinson mentioned, emphasizing the significant local focus of the show.

The show, hosted in various local venues, is structured to appeal to those who appreciate community engagement, covering topics ranging from Chicago’s public transit budget shortfall to humorous observations about summer in the city.

Each performance begins at 7:30 or 8 p.m., lasting about 90 minutes, allowing attendees to enjoy the show and still have a reasonable bedtime.

“If they want, they can be in bed around 10 o’clock,” Swinson said, highlighting the show’s commitment to a friendly schedule.

The guest lineup is diverse, featuring local talents and figures who embody the spirit of Chicago. Recent guests have included poet and artist Eve L. Ewing, who shared the stage with Swinson in May, and Rep. Delia C. Ramirez, who attended a show in June.

This month, the spotlight will shine on urban historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, who is set to perform at the Steppenwolf Theatre on Thursday at 8 p.m.

The show will also include a musical performance by Clairice, a rising artist who will be appearing at Lollapalooza this year.

While tickets for this month are sold out, Swinson noted that a few additional seats might open up, encouraging fans to keep an eye on the show’s Instagram for updates.

Reflecting on the urban landscape of Chicago, Swinson stated, “You always see these talk shows on TV, and they’re in New York or they’re in LA, and I view Chicago as just as special a city.”

The city, known for its rich culture and history, is a backdrop that Swinson believes deserves more representation in the media.

Having moved to Chicago from Maryland approximately 12 years ago, Swinson quickly developed a passion for the city’s neighborhoods and people, wanting to showcase the vibrancy and challenges of urban life.

“There are just so many things always moving, always happening. I just wanted to do a show that highlighted that and gave a platform to that,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of local narratives.

Swinson’s intention is not just to entertain but also to educate the audience about the notable individuals who may not frequently appear in mainstream media.

“We’ve had people from community groups, we’ve had activists and organizers and all types of folks on, just kind of shining a light on them and all the great things going on in this city,” he remarked.

Through the show’s quick turnaround, often put together in just a week’s time, Swinson desires to connect with various community venues, sharing the stage with local talents and providing a broader platform for Chicagoans to be seen.

“I would really love to be at a point where we can do this sort of thing on a regular basis, and we’ll have a nice packed house, and my friends can really get the opportunity to be seen by a lot of folks,” Swinson said.

The show features a talented cast, including sketch comedian Sage Huston, writer Dev Middleton, rapper and comedian Michael Van Pham, and actor Tori Wynn, who contribute to the show’s comedic flair and engaging content.

The lively band Mich Shirey and the Night Watch also adds a musical element, enriching the audience’s experience at each performance.

Swinson expressed hope that, one day, the show’s model might attract the attention of larger broadcasting entities, potentially allowing for a more regular schedule akin to established late-night talk shows.

“Maybe one day, a couple years down the road, we’ll be like, ‘Oh, here we are. Somehow WGN believed in us enough to let us do this every week,’ or something crazy like that,” he mused.

For now, Swinson and his team are focused on bringing joy and connection to their audience. “That’s really what keeps me going. It’s the idea of, somebody can come in and see this show, they’ll have some laughs,” he remarked, adding that the show serves as a bridge connecting audiences to local artists, activists, and causes.

The goal is for attendees to leave with new perspectives, discovering local talent and perhaps even new causes worth supporting.

With the city’s rich diversity as both a backdrop and a source of inspiration, Swinson and his team are dedicated to showcasing the unique stories and personalities that contribute to Chicago’s ongoing narrative.

image source from:blockclubchicago

Abigail Harper