MSN TV Blog: Late Night

Jimmy Fallon Is Taking Over Late Night

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:57:40 GMT

There's a game of musical chairs going on over at NBC: Jay Leno will retire next year, and Conan O'Brien will take over as the host of "The Tonight Show." That leaves Conan's spot open for "SNL" alum Jimmy Fallon.

You know, there have been rumors of Jimmy Fallon taking over for Conan for a while now, and I never believed them. I like Jimmy Fallon a lot, it's just hard to manage him carrying an hour-long talk show five nights a week. He does tend to get...the giggles.

- Posted by Kate

Saturday Week Live

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:24:36 GMT

EW.com has posted a long, dishy story about a week on the set of "Saturday Night Live." Come on, don't you want to know what happens at those writers' meetings? Well, here you go:

"''How about someone gets an allergic reaction at an outer-space-themed restaurant and the waiters refuse to break character?' suggests head writer and cast member Seth Meyers. Assorted 'Yeah, I could see that''-type snickers ripple through the crowd. Kenan Thompson pitches an idea in which 'an old lady tries to sell a masturbation instruction manual.' The reaction from the room is a mix of 'Go for it' glee and 'Ewwwww!'"

- Posted by Kate

Craig Ferguson Takes His Citizenship Test

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:01:47 GMT

Well, America's second favorite Scottish dude is now a Scottish-American dude. I love how funny he is and how the woman giving him the test barely cracks a smile.

- Posted by Kate

Jon and Steve Cross the Line

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:07:16 GMT

After months off the air, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are coming back at us tonight...without writers. What will they talk about? Well, between Iowa and New Hampshire I'm sure they'll both manage.

I've been grudgingly impressed by the writerless late night shows so far. Bearded troubadour Conan is a hard act to follow, but I bet Mr. Stewart and Mr. Colbert have some tricks up their sleeves.

- Posted by Kate

Jay, Dave, Conan, and Craig Are Back Tonight

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:42:39 GMT

Good morning! Hope everyone had a happy New Year. The biggest news of the day is the return of late night talk shows. Jay, Conan, and Dave are all back tonight. Dave has his writers back - his independent production company worked out a deal with the WGA -and he's booked Robin Williams. Jay and Conan? Well, they definitely don't have writers, and if they've booked guests they're not saying who so far. Celebrities are worried about crossing the picket lines, so it's anyone's guess whether they'll turn out for Jay or Conan. Dave might have the writers, but I know I'm going to be watching Mr. Leno tonight to see how he does all by his lonesome. Holiday cheer? What?

Dave Letterman also arranged for the return of Craig Ferguson's writers, and America's second favorite Scottish dude will be back with a new show tonight. "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" will return on Monday, in case you're wondering.

- Posted by Kate

Late Night Television Rides Again

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:14:54 GMT

Well, the battle between writers and producers in Hollywood is getting downright scrappy. Late night TV was the first casualty, and Jay, Dave, and Conan have been very much in the public eye as the strike wears on. Well, they're coming back. Jay and Conan will tape January shows sans writers. US has the story:

"In a statement, O'Brien, 44, said, 'An unwritten version of Late Night, though not desirable, is possible — and no one has to be fired. I will make clear, on the program, my support for the writers and I'll do the best version of Late Night I can under the circumstances.'

Added Leno, 57, 'We fully support our writers and I think they understand my decision.'"

David Letterman is also plotting his return to the air - and he's got an ace up his sleeve. Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants, is trying to negotiate an "interim agreement" with "The Late Show" writers. Since the writers would be working for Worldwide Pants - an independent production company - rather than CBS, the writers wouldn't be violating their union's strike policies. Let's hope this works out, and let's hope Dave will also bring back a writer or two for "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" while he's at it!

- Posted by Kate

Al Gore Explains Current TV (Kinda) and Dances (Kinda)

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:31:33 GMT

Ever since Al Gore took home his Emmy on Sunday I've wondered what the deal is with Current TV, the network he started with Joel Hyatt. I did some looking around and I think it's like YouTube, but it's on TV instead of the internet. In this video Gore explains a little about the network - though I still basically think it's like YouTube on TV instead of the internet - and does some dancing. Dancing? He wants a Tony to go with his Emmy and Oscar.

- Posted by Kate

Fred Thompson on 'The Tonight Show'

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:51:03 GMT

Any of you all catch Fred Thompson's announcement that he's running for president on "The Tonight Show" last night? If not, you can find video of it at the link.

I watched the version of it on YouTube, and while I am not of the political persuasion to vote for him, in the superficial setting of late-night talk, with all the softball questions lobbed at him, he seemed pretty charming.

Of course, that may be because in the eight minutes or so I watched, he didn't answer a single question of substance about what he would do that would be similar to or different from any of his rivals in either the Republican or Democratic camps.

The trouble in modern presidential politics is that the winner for the last 40 years or so (maybe more) has tended to be the guy you'd most rather have a beer with. And based on the interview, I feel like without having done anything Thompson probably wins that contest over anyone other than possibly Obama.

You may be aware that Thompson skipped a Republican debate to make the interview. He defended himself pretty well on that point, I thought, saying that he'll be involved in plenty of future debates and that he hopes the debates in the future will be more substantial ones instead of a series of sound bites.

Meanwhile, the Republicans made some pretty weak jokes about his absence.

Anyway, what did you all think about the appearance?

- posted by Raoul

Seinfeld, Richards on Letterman Tonight

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 23:35:46 GMT

How sorry is Michael Richards about his indefensible rant at a comedy club last weekend? We'll hear it straight from the horse's ass's mouth tonight, as regularly-scheduled guest Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Letterman talk to Richards, via satellite, on tonight's "Late Show" (CBS, 11:35 p.m. ET).

- posted by Kim

'Saturday Night Live' Cast Announced

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 20:35:22 GMT

After all those rumors that have been floating around since before Labor Day, NBC finally announced the cast for the new season of "SNL," which kicks off on Sept. 30 with Dane Cook as host and The Killers as musical guest.

Cast members in for the new season: Fred Armisen, Will Forte, Bill Hader, Darrell Hammond, Seth Meyers, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig and my fave, Kenan Thompson.

"SNL"-ers who won't be returning this season: Tim Parnell, Horatio Sanz, Finesse Mitchell, and Rachel Dratch and Tina Fey, who are working on the new NBC sitcom "30 Rock."

And still no word on who will replace Fey as "Weekend Update" co-anchor with Amy Poehler, though Meyers will replace her as one of the head writers of the show. Maybe these change-ups are the push the show needs for a little revival of the funny stuff, no?

- posted by Kim

Letterman vs. O'Reilly

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 19:40:12 GMT

It was like the feisty Letterman of yore on last night's "Late Show," with Dave butting heads with Fox's Bill O'Reilly. Didja miss it? Then you MUST check out this clip to see what all the fuss is about.

I have to say, I would agree with Dave's estimate about the percentage of "crap" (60 percent, says Dave) that comes out of the arrogant O'Reilly, but I also begrudgingly have to admit that Dave didn't exactly make his point by telling O'Reilly that his opinions were based on "things that (he's) read." What do you think of the exchange?

- posted by Kim

Dave and Oprah Sitting in a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:38:39 GMT

The television event of the decade? Please.

Dave was completely defanged and pretty much unfunny in his much hyped show with Oprah.

He joked about him and Oprah being "Broadway's other 'Odd Couple,'" that they tricked her into coming on the show by making her think she was seeing "Spamalot," that Jimmy Carter was needed to negotiate a peace treaty between his camp and Oprah's "plus, we had to give her a Pontiac," and that she was hugely popular despite giving us Dr. Phil.

"Even my mother said she may switch over from Leno" was about the only thing that got a giggle from me.

I'd say almost none of the "Top 10 Messages on Oprah's Answering Machine" worked. For the record, the list was:

10. "This is Martha Stewart, If you need it, I've planted a box cutter in the guest chair."

9. "It's Paul Shaffer. So you know, Letterman's had a lotof work done since you last saw him."

8. "Hey, Oprah, it's Larry, your neighbor. Can you get me Tony Danza's autograph?"

7. Dr. Phil here. Cleared my schedule so we can have a full session tomorrow."

6. "This is Dubya. If you need a presidential pardon to get you out of this, gimme a holler."

5. "Julia Roberts here. Letterman's all hands during commercial breaks."

4. "It's Jets coach Herm Edwards. Since you're in New York, we could use some help at quarterback."

3. "Regis here. Letterman's all hands during commercial breaks."

2. "Letterman thinks you're coming. This is gonna be the best 'Punk'd' ever!"

1. "It's Nick. Hey, have you seen Jessica?"

And the interview was pretty straightforward too. Although I was glad to hear about the girls leadership academy Oprah is planning for South Africa. Where was the cynicism, the wise-guy stuff that made Dave the star he is today?

I just feel sorry for Bonnie Raitt, cause all that sap left on the stage after Dave and Oprah were done must have made performing there rough.

- posted by Raoul

At Last! Oprah Does Dave

Tue, 22 Nov 2005 03:21:08 GMT

It hasn't been for a lack of trying, but Dave Letterman has been unable to get Queen of All Media Oprah to appear on his CBS talk show. Until now. CBS announced today that Oprah will make the trip to New York to sit down for a chat with Dave on "The Late Show" on Dec. 1.

This is truly must-see-TV.

And speaking of things you should see, if you missed Oprah's own show today and have the chance to check out a rebroadcast, it's a good one: Oprah's annual Favorite Things episode, in which she bestows tons of goodies on a shocked audience. This time around, she doled out the treats--including a laptop, Ralph Lauren sweater, Burberry coat and bag and the new video iPod--to a very worthy group, kind-hearted volunteers of Hurricane Katrina.

- posted by Kim

Rummy Does Dave

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 15:55:32 GMT

This should make for a great Top 10 list … Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is scheduled to appear on "The Late Show with David Letterman" next Tuesday (CBS, 11:35 p.m. ET). Check out this classic Top 10, with a nod to Rummy.

In other late night news, I'm so bummed I missed Tuesday night's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," where guest Vivica Fox got into a spat with Kimmel about remarks he made about her good friend Star Jones. Fox threatened to beat Jimmy with her shoe if he continued to diss Jones, but I'm betting most of us don't disagree with Jimmy's anti-Star jones, right?

- posted by Kim

Are Late-Night Newcomers Ready to Challenge the Big Guns?

Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:03:58 GMT

The L.A. Times takes a look here at how cable is increasingly encroaching on turf that had been owned by Dave and Jay with edgier programs.

What do you think? Do the established stars have much to worry about?

I hope not. Give me stale formats and unrevealing celebrity interviews over fart jokes any day.

- posted by Raoul

Tucker's New 'Situation'

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 16:26:03 GMT

This was my first time watching "The Situation with Tucker Carlson," and I enjoyed it. Not enough to make it a weekday habit, mind you, but I figure I'll be dropping in every once in a while. (I suppose I should put in a disclaimer that his show is on MSNBC and obviously TV Filter is a Microsoft project. But FWIW, I wouldn't hold back if it sucked.)

The strange thing is, I don't have much love for Tucker himself. He's this odd combination of wimpy and arrogant. But seems like he's able to attract a good group of guests and hit on a wide enough range of topics (female Viagra, controversial comments by Harry Belafonte, spider sumo wrestling, and the virtually obligatory item on Natalee Holloway) that there's going to be something of interest for any viewer during a given hour. There might be a little too much on the frivolous side, but such is a matter of taste.

Tucker kept trumpeting that "Situation" is the only late-night cable news show to go live, but for the most part, that liveness didn't seem to matter on this first show in the new time slot. They screwed up a couple times with graphics and video not being in sync with what Tucker was saying. That was about it.

I think the part that worked best were the look at tomorrow's top stories. That's something that actually takes advantage of the show's new time slot. They could have extended that to have Tucker talk about those stories more at length.

Second was the "debate" Tucker had with Max Kellerman. And yes, as the caller on the show said he does routinely, Max completely dominated Tucker.

I also liked producer Willie Geist (sp?). He managed to get more laughs than Tucker did from the people on set and me. Give that guy a raise.

- posted by Raoul

Better Never Than 'Too Late with Adam Carolla'

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 06:00:47 GMT

I really wanted to like "Too Late with Adam Carolla." I really did. I was a big fan of Adam Carolla when he was on "Loveline" over at MTV. But his debut Monday night was just awful. I'll let some of his humor, such as it was, speak mostly for itself. Be warned that some of the language and themes are inappropriate for younger readers, who should skip to the next post.

The show was about things that get people angry, or as Adam put it, "what makes me want to go number two and vomit at the same time." Lovely.

One of his button-pushers was pandas and China. "They give us a list of names for the panda like 'Bok Choi'...We can't call the panda Brad... My feeling is 'Screw you, China. We're keeping your stinking pandas'...Pandas, they'll do anything but screw. ...Meanwhile, I can't get my dog to stop banging my shin."

After going on a rant about left-turn signals, Carolla went on "That's it. I'm running for mayor. I need your vote." The live studio audience whooped in response. "I know unfortunately most of you are felons and can't vote, but I'm looking forward to your support, at least emotionally."

And in response to a caller, he said, "Interesting. Provocative stuff. We're going to send you out a windbreaker. And when I say 'windbreaker,' I mean a huge man who does nothing but fart. It's expensive, but I insist on it."

The show can only get better. But I'm not going to hold my breath until it does.

- posted by Raoul