A Competitive Ike Barinholtz Won Late Night This Week

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This past week in late-night programming had some fantastic developments. There was the Wisconsin election, Cory Booker’s speech, and another election in Jacksonville, Florida, which while not entirely beneficial for Democrats, marked a significant shift towards the left in a traditionally conservative area. These events were monumental and astounding. However, there was an additional piece of heartening news that didn’t receive as much attention: Elton John can read once more! Contrary to popular belief, Sir John was not blind, but on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he demonstrated his reading skills so well that he spoiled a game of “Password.” This is truly inspiring news and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact late-night shows can have as a means for mass communication.

This past week brought another electrifying moment during late-night hours – a grand farewell spectacle that left everyone feeling nostalgic yet excited. Dubbed as “After Midnight Mania,” the show decided to bid adieu with a bang, organizing a bracket-style tournament reminiscent of March Madness. The winners from Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday’s episodes fought it out on Thursday for the title of the ultimate impromptu cultural critic. However, it was the real sports enthusiasts providing colorful commentary that made this event truly unforgettable – or in Lisa Gilroy’s case, downright tantalizing! What else managed to stir such emotions this week? Let’s discover together!

5.
Britt Lower Shows Off Her Special Skill

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=bVrRPwWiDMg

It seems that performing a talent, particularly music skills, significantly increases the chances of being noticed on The Tonight Show. This assumption would indeed be correct, as Britt Lower demonstrated the theme from Severance on the trumpet and it was delightful. Lower mentioned she did it due to her permanent ‘Yes Day’ rule for non-dangerous challenges that frighten her, but it certainly benefited us who have no involvement in her personal growth. To be frank, the TikTok tune “Mark is hot, Helly’s hot” was stuck in my head throughout her trumpet performance. I personally believe this added depth to her act.

4.
Amber Ruffin Is Filled With Glee

After such a challenging week, Amber Ruffin truly deserves some happiness. On Have I Got News for You, she encountered Lara Trump’s appearance before her surgery. Oh my, what a transformation! It’s so different, it’s almost like it’s been changed – with that umlaut over the ‘e’ as seen in The New Yorker. However, the predominant feeling wasn’t shock or horror about Lara Trump’s changes; rather, it was joy at the incredible things humans are still capable of. Ruffin was excited about this transformation, and her curious, warm enthusiasm is exactly the kind that would have been fitting for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Sadly, she missed that opportunity!

3.
John Mulaney’s at tha Crossroads

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ajwn6V1tSR4

I’ve been thoroughly captivated by the recent anecdote shared on everybody’s Live about a supposed Bone Thugs-N-Harmony manager swindling money. Thank goodness for such entertaining tales! It’s been quite some time since we heard stories like “John Mulaney needs around $2,000” from Baby J.

The account of the failed attempt to get Bone Thugs on the show, despite numerous attempts with thousands of dollars, was pure gold. Whether their performance would have been better or not is up for debate, but this unyielding “whatever happens, happens” approach to live TV is a breath of fresh air in the otherwise meticulously crafted realm of late-night shows. Keep it up, John! I’m looking forward to the next eight weeks or so of your show.

2.
Two Paul Rudds for the Price of One

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=0drOTHHMwQk

As a fervent admirer, I must express my admiration for the moment when Paul Rudd seemingly vomited into his cowboy hat – an act that deserves accolades. Just like the rare bloom of the elusive flower, it’s not every day we witness someone breaking media norms in such a memorable way. However, the most captivating instance in this “Day Drinking” segment was undoubtedly the climax of a long-standing joke about Seth Reiss resembling Paul Rudd. This humorous narrative reached its peak in a gloriously gaffer-taped finale. Rudd truly is a multitalented individual: he can craft a beard from tape, divert attention from Kang, and even projectile vomit. A triple threat indeed!

1.
Ike Barinholtz Is a Sore Winner

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=P7TzT5hgTpo&si=RSxmMaMo7xR9glQc

Paul Rudd and Elton John might have had their moments, but Ike Barinholtz was the most tense contestant on late night TV this week during WWHL. He was incredibly competitive with Chase Sui Wonders in a game where they tried to guess a movie based on its catchphrase. It seemed like Andy Cohen was playing too, but he didn’t get much of a chance to contribute. The studio gang presented one of the best “Four Favorites” video on Letterboxd in recent times, so it’s no wonder this game was so competitive. Barinholtz is known for his champion status on Celebrity Jeopardy and his overzealous competition on WWHL. That’s a bold display of his competitive spirit.

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2025-04-04 17:54