Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

As of this writing, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon is in its third week on NBC. I've seen the show criticized many times, but I enjoy it and I like Fallon in this role. It's not a polished show by any stretch of the imagination; there are still some wrinkles to be ironed out. The opening monologues aren't great and many of the jokes fall flat. But Fallon never seems discouraged. The pre-interview segments can also use some work. It's clear that the show has been trying out different things to see if one would stick. Little contests and comedy bits. It's important to remember that the show just started and that Fallon's never done this kind of thing before, so of course there'll be some kinks to work out.

I think Jimmy Fallon is great on this show. On SNL he'd have to play characters and people would get on his case for laughing during sketches and breaking up "the illusion". But on Late Night, Fallon gets to be himself and he laughs all the time. It works here, as he acknowledges the ridiculousness of everything around him. The show is ridiculous, he has to say ridiculous things, there are a slew of technical difficulties, and he sees that and doesn't try to hide it. Like David Letterman, a lot of Fallon's quips are aimed at the show itself. He's not *great* at interviews with people he doesn't already have a history with, but he's new and he's trying. And there's something refreshing about the inexperienced guy, who feels like he's one of us.

Fallon's show is very fan-friendly and he tries to incorporate the audience in as many ways as he can. Before the show premiered Fallon would interact with fans and give some behind-the-scenes insight on his daily video blog. He let the fans choose the show's logo. On the show he likes to get the audience involved. Sometimes they participate in game show bits. Once they elected a President of the Audience from three candidates. One audience member was selected in an experiment to boost his popularity on the social networking website Twitter. The other day a lucky audience member was selected to come on the show and be interviewed like a regular guest. At the end of every show Fallon runs into the audience and gives everyone high fives.

I love the fan interaction on Fallon's Late Night, but I must say my favorite thing about the show is that Fallon always gets the celebrities to do fun things. It lets you see celebrities in ways you've never seen them, out of their element. Amanda Peet did an impromptu green screen-type skit with Jimmy, Justin Timberlake did his John Mayer impression, Emily Blunt was brought two Auntie Anne's pretzels and then gave one to an audience member, Tracy Morgan did the interview in a blue Snuggie, Gary Sinise played bass with house band The Roots, Michael Stipe from R.E.M. recorded a new voice mail message for Fallon's cell phone, and Bill Paxton and the Kardashian girls joined announcer Steve Higgins at an Irish pub for St. Patrick's Day. I love seeing celebrities interact with each other and I think one of the best things about late night talk shows is that the first guest sometimes stays on the set for the next guest. I love Letterman's show, but he never has that.

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon is a fun show. It could use some work, but in its infancy it shows promise. Jimmy Fallon is a funny guy and a lot of fun to watch and it looks like his guests have a lot of fun too. The audience has fun... It's like one big party.

Over the years since both Jay and Dave have folded the tent I would have to say that the best around on the tube for late night entertainment is on NBC and that's Jimmy Fallon as he's very funny and sharp with wit in his stand up. As Fallon should be since he's an ex "Saturday Night Live" alum. And it's neat and nice to see Jimmy playing trivia games and contest with his famous guest from well known actors, and actresses to politicians and sports figures as all are tested! And Jimmy is always on top of things as his opening headlines and stand up reflects the issues and current going on topics of the day. So break down stand up shout and watch Jimmy Fallon! And his band also rocks!

this show really isn't that bad. honestly, when i found out that Leno would be"moving", Conan would take over the tonight show, i wasn't too happy. i only felt worse when i found out that Fallon would take over Late Night! However, i did give the show a try. while his first show, last night, wasn't anywhere near great, it was definitely acceptable for a pilot. however, when tuning in to his second show, things seemed drastically different-he was calmer more creative, collected, and actually fairly funny! trust me, i am not a big fan of Fallon, or the roots. however, the show is drastically improving, and while i still prefer Craig, Conan, letterman, and Leno over him, he is still pretty impressive for a newcomer. and trust me, i know he did the weekend update. KEYWORD:END!! that means he had a full week to get prepared, and not half a day!!! so, give the guy a break, a chance, and watch him for a while(not for years, which is how long it took Conan to reach his potential), and then judge him. it will definitely be very good after some time, but for now, it is definitely acceptable. 6.8/10

Jimmy has a good sense of humor which is emerging more effectively over time. This is especially evident in the sketches/videos they produce on the show and his acting in them. He has a good sense of cultural parody which you can't say for SNL recently. He has parodied Twilight, Real Housewives, and The Hills, and it is funny. He is not only a talented actor and a happy guy; he also seems to have a bit of musical talent. I also loved his grad students on Spring Break sketch and many other bits that they do, even though I detest the Lick it for Ten and Moustaches Wrestling type stuff. And of course, the Roots are a very cool and creative band even if this is mentioned every five minutes on the show. Their Friday night improvising thing really impresses me and they often have guests play with them.

Also, Jimmy has rapport with most of his guests because he is a nice guy. He might be nervous and diffident but that can be charming. He seems to be buddies with everyone including the Roots and Higgins, etc., which gives the show a friendly feeling and seems to help everyone collaborate. Shows where clever people get along with each other seem to produce good stuff and I expect this show will improve even more. People should give him a break! He is not Conan but he is nice, straightforward, and yes, I will say it, funny.

First show guests the like of über-stars DeNiro, Timberlake and Morrison aside, the all new Late Night is funny, capable and looks poised to 'bring it' every night. Fallon is likable, quick witted and up to the task, displaying the sensibilities and timing of a seasoned vet (he handled snoozer interviewee DeNiro perfectly). Both interviews were entertaining and without the awkward moments we all suffered through with a young Conan in the early 90's. As for content, with the possible exception of "Lick it for 10," the sketches and bits were hilarious. The writing is spot on with the established persona we recognize from Fallon's days on SNL. On their inaugural run, the new team at studio 6B has successfully put together a show all their own which doesn't come off as forced and won't alienate the audience Conan has built in this time slot.

Worry not, Late Night fan. 12:37AM is going to be OK.