Monday, Feb. 17 marked the supremely successful premiere of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on NBC. Up against many high expectations, a new studio and an impressive roster of superstar guests, Fallon kept his cool and managed to put on a spectacular first show for his audience in New York City.
In his opening remarks, Fallon noted that this was the first Tonight Show to be held in New York City in 40 years. In a moment of unexpected graciousness in the midst of a comedy talk show, Fallon sincerely thanked his Tonight Show predecessors, from Jay Leno to Conan O’Brien. He also thanked his parents, who were in the audience, as well as his loyal fans. He said that it meant the world that so many people in the studio and at home were there to support him in this new endeavor and that his only goal is to make his fans have fun and go to sleep happy.
These emotional moments of gratitude from Fallon really set a positive tone for the rest of the show. He could have dove right in with slapstick humor that only caters to a very specific kind of audience. However, the direction that he chose was much more classy and in the long run, established a broader appeal.
Given this undeniably likeability, it is no wonder that so many of Hollywood’s elite came out to support Fallon’s big night. His first “bit” was about a bet that he had with people who did not believe that he would ever become the Tonight Show host, and that each of those people owed his $100.
As if by magic, those people, one by one, came out of the wings to each drop $100 on Fallon’s desk. Mariah Carey, Tina Fey, Rudy Giuliani, Robert DeNiro, Tracey Morgan, Joan Rivers, Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mike Tyson and Lady Gaga all came out to show him the money. Fellow comedian Stephen Colbert also came out to show him the money. Fellow comedian Stephen Colbert also came out, but chose to dump $100 worth of pennies on top of Fallon and then proceded take a selfie of the two of them. By that point, the audience was roaring with laughter, and Fallon was receiving an overwhelmingly positive reaction.
Before his interview with movie star and first guest Will Smith, Fallon did a segment with Smith entitled “The Evolution of Hip-Hop Dancing.” Dressed like characters from the 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, they both demonstrated — albeit awkwardly — the history of hip-hop dance, from the MC Hammer to the Dougie to twerking. Watching Fallon dance to hip-hop is somewhat like watching Stephen Colbert try to groove. It’s so awkward and funny that it hurts.
Fallon’s subsequent interview with Smith was nothing less than flawless. Fallon is a natural interviewer, who knows how to both make his guests feel welcome and make them laugh. His sense of humor is kind without being over-the-top, and his jokes hit just the right chord. It is clear that this is the right job for him and that every interview he conducts hereafter will be a resounding success.
The evening’s musical guest was Irish rock band U2, who performed their hit single “Invisible” on the Top of the Rock, otherwise known as the rooftop of Rockefeller Center. The atmosphere seemed extremely cool. The audience was clearly into this vibe, which lent a fantastic, upbeat energy to the performance.
Afterwards, Fallon interviewed U2. Although Bono, U2’s frontman, did the vast majority of the talking, Fallon did get the whole band to open up and laugh a little bit. He even got them to play a song inside the studio!
No one should have any doubt that the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon will last a good, long time in New York City. Fallon already has a tremendous following, stemming from his Saturday Night Live (SNL) days.
He also has a very good reputation within the world of Hollywood, so he will definitely not have any trouble finding quality guests with whom he clicks in interview settings.
His charming personality, irresistible sense of humor and infectious kindness will serve him well in future episodes. So far, television reviewers have been kind, so the country only has to wait and see what other surprises Fallon will bring to the show. Who knows who else will pop out of the wings to shower him with dollar bills!
If his performance on the Tonight Show is anything like those from his SNL days, then he will go down in history as one of the most beloved and admired talk show hosts in television history.
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