Amber Ruffin’s 3-Week Recap Won Late Night This Week

As someone who has spent countless hours watching late night shows to avoid my own insomnia, I must say this week was a refreshing change of pace! The energy and lightheartedness that Kamala and Tim Walz have brought to politics has certainly rubbed off on our favorite hosts. It feels like we’re all collectively taking a deep breath after a long, turbulent political season.

After taking a break during the Olympics, Late Night is back! Despite the absence, there were still plenty of opportunities to make jokes about “That one guy’s oversized pig knocking over the pole-vault bar”. Kudos to Seth Meyers for his hilarious recap of all the funny mishaps involving Trump while we were away. Discussing these events one after another makes it seem almost as chaotic and confusing as reality itself. A big shoutout also goes to Wally, the cue-card guy, who had to handle all those news items. I bet it was quite a challenge, even for him!

In the “Closer Look” segment and Stephen Colbert’s news recap (as mentioned in item No. 3 on the list), there was a casual remark: “Well, we know the couch-fucking story isn’t true, but who cares?” It’s delightful to observe these individuals infusing humor into the news. The lively and upbeat demeanor of Kamala and Tim Walz in politics has made even content adjacent to politics seem less serious. Previously, hosts were often burdened with Joe Biden jokes, but now we have Tim Walz’s playful poses and white-people taco nights to joke about instead. Here are the highlights from this lighter, more joyful week in late night television.

5. Jimmy Kimmel Live! Says “Health Care for All!”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=ALmXJoM89yw

On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, there’s a regular segment where they search for SAG-AFTRA members who are on the brink of qualifying for health insurance. If they get just one line in the show, their health coverage becomes guaranteed. In the past, this has been done by guest host Kerry Washington handing out checks to numerous actors. This time, it’s Jeff Goldblum dispensing cash to his look-alikes. It might seem a bit self-serving, but regardless, the check will be honored.

4. Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow Queening Out on Late Night

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=SgTmsHn7Loc

Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow share anecdotes about Stephen Sondheim and discuss individuals who have passed away or had a history of violent acts before attending their performances. Every time they refer to Sondheim as “Steve,” take a drink. It’s one of the most endearing signs of familiarity, similar to when people call Scorsese “Marty.” I can’t get enough of it when they call him Marty!

3. That Goofy-Ass Horse From We Live in Time’s Late-Night Debut

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=3rbHEz8hXnw

Knock knock. Who’s there? Interrupting horse. Interrupting horse wh — NEIGH!!

The ugliest carousel horse you ever did see went on The Late Show and scared the bejeepers out of Colbert. It’s interesting to characterize the horse as shell-shocked and not just dumb. There’s probably more to work with there. This plus Steve doing the “Apple” dance puts The Late Show at the top of the terminally online ranking for late night. Congrats?

2. Ben Schwartz’s SNL Monologue

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

It’s thrilling when a guest comes up with an original approach for their introduction on a late-night show. We’ve witnessed elaborate dance routines, giving away goods, and even faking crowd-surfing. However, mimicking the hosting of Saturday Night Live and preparing to deliver a monologue? That was a first for me. Schwartz always adds energy to his late-night performances. In Jimmy Fallon’s words, “Excellent job, buddy! You’re doing great.”

1. Lutz Says “Gee Whiz!”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7rJ1L0Htxcc

The “Amber Says What” segment contains quite a lot to discuss, including an unsettling sound effect, amusing prop comedy by Amber Ruffin and Meyers, a hint of saltiness about the potential cancellation of “The Amber Ruffin Show,” and the introduction of John Lutz from Minnesota. It seems everyone is back from vacation and brimming with energy, as many jokes are hitting their mark beautifully – it’s like watching Simone Biles’ flawless floor routine!

2024-08-16 23:54