Now, Shapiro-Barnum has a new YouTube series called Outside Tonight. It's a late-night show where he can be himself and have fun.

The show is set in New York City, not a classroom. It features comedians, creators, and strangers, not just kids. The goal is still to have real conversations.

Shapiro-Barnum talks about changing late-night TV for the internet. He also discusses why play is important in all his work.

Creator-led entertainment is becoming popular. Outside Tonight is part of this shift.

Shapiro-Barnum says the industry is taking digital creators more seriously. He can now make the shows he wants without waiting for traditional media.

The industry is catching up to what's already happening online. Digital creators are now part of every major event.

People are putting their stories and art into YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. This is exciting because it allows creators to make bigger projects.

Shapiro-Barnum tried to make a late-night show before, but it didn't work out. Now, he's making Outside Tonight, and it's his most ambitious project yet.

He started working on the idea in 2020, but it really took off in 2025. A production company was initially involved, but they backed out.

After that, Shapiro-Barnum decided to make the show himself. This turned out to be a good thing, given the attention YouTube has been giving to creator-led programming.

What is Shapiro-Barnum's version of late night? He's making a show that's built for the internet from the start.

The show has a modular format, with a shorter monologue and more conversational interviews. The games are spontaneous and fun.

Shapiro-Barnum is taking what works online and turning it into a late-night show. He thinks the internet is like a broken-down late-night show that he's putting back together.

Comedians are doing well on digital platforms. Shapiro-Barnum thinks it's because people love spontaneity and authenticity.

Outside Tonight embraces this by being outside and involving the public. The show is playful and fun, like many great digital shows.

One thing that connects all Shapiro-Barnum's projects is play. He wants people to feel comfortable and have real conversations.

Shapiro-Barnum values play and doesn't want to lose that sense of wonder as he grows up. He's written a book about this called How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up.

His interview style is a mix of planning and improvising. He follows the conversation and goes with what feels fun.

Talking to kids has made Shapiro-Barnum more optimistic about the future. Kids are hopeful and want to make the world a better place.

Shapiro-Barnum thinks kids understand their emotions better than adults. They express their feelings in real-time, which is something adults can learn from.

Shapiro-Barnum didn't realize he was a brand until he had to think about what that meant. He's been testing boundaries with Outside Tonight.

He's figured out that his brand is about being positive, people-forward, and friendly, but also provocative and goofy.

Shapiro-Barnum is excited for people to see Outside Tonight. He's put his heart and soul into the project, and he hopes people will connect with it.

The show has been six years in the making. Shapiro-Barnum believes that if you keep working on an idea you care about, it can happen.

Sometimes, all it takes is going viral a couple of times to make a difference.

Shapiro-Barnum is looking forward to sharing Outside Tonight with everyone.