The NBC late-night programming block began a new era as Jimmy Fallon recently inherited “The Tonight Show,” a show that has aired on the network for 60 years. Monday, Feb. 17 marked the first episode with Fallon as the host and kick-started a week full of celebrity A-listers and hilarious bits.
Fallon parted the blue curtain and took the stage of a beautiful new “Tonight Show” set at Rockefeller Center in New York City. “This is the first ‘Tonight Show’ broadcast from New York in over 40 years,” said Fallon as he began the first show. “I’m Jimmy Fallon and I’ll be your host … for now,” he said, poking fun at 2010’s chaotic late-night programming shuffle.
After introducing house band The Roots and announcer/sidekick Steve Higgins, Fallon said, “I just want to do the best I can and take care of the show for a while, and if you guys let me stick around long enough, maybe I’ll get the hang of it.”
Overall, the premiere and first week of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” went very well. What makes Fallon an excellent late-night host is his comfort with the stage and his presence as a comedian. He is collected and on-point; his wit allows him to keep the show moving when it gets dull.
Fan response for his first week was very positive. Viewership for his premiere was on par with that of Conan O’Brien’s first “Tonight Show.” A few of Fallon’s first bits quickly circulated around the internet, including an “Evolution of Rap” bit he performed with Justin Timberlake Friday night. His social media presence and younger audience is bringing a fresh vibe and newer, younger viewership to 11:30 p.m. ET.
Comedienne Joan Rivers made a brief appearance, alongside several other A-listers, during one of his first sketches, effectively ending her almost 30-year ban from the show. The ban began after she started a late-night program on Fox which competed with Johnny Carson. It was a subtle way of Fallon showing he is embracing a new era of “The Tonight Show.”
Meanwhile, Seth Meyers has taken Fallon’s slot on “Late Night,” and is currently in his first week of shows. He is expected to do well, but his lack of non-scripted interview experience could impede his ability to keep the show moving. However, bandleader and former SNL cast member Fred Armisen should be able to fill the gaps. “Late Night with Seth Meyers” airs right after Fallon weeknights on NBC.
It should not be hard for Fallon to make the show his own, backed by the following he built on “Late Night.” If he is true to his roots, the future of “The Tonight Show,” which airs on NBC weekdays at 11:00 p.m. MT, looks bright indeed.
