Jimmy Kimmel’s Deep Roster of Impressionists Won Late Night This Week

As someone who’s spent countless nights glued to the TV screen, I’ve got to say, this week was a rollercoaster of laughter and shock! The debates were more entertaining than ever, thanks to the lively banter on late-night shows. From Seth Meyers going prime time to Jimmy Kimmel bringing out his reserve team of impressionists, it was a comedy extravaganza!

Happy debate week! Late-night TV definitely had more fun with this debate than the last one. Maybe it was the more energetic debaters; maybe it was that Donald Trump said some truly wack shit. Either way, the hosts had a lot more material to work with than the Biden vs. Trump matchup. The Late Show and The Daily Show went live; Seth Meyers went to prime time; and Jimmy Kimmel went to his reserve team of impressionists. The headline gives it away, but comedically? That was the most successful route.

Before diving into the top five, let’s take a moment for Friday nights, which are often less-watched on TV. Sadly, The Tonight Show is reducing its airtime from five to four nights a week, leaving out Fridays. This move is common in such shows due to low viewership on Fridays, but it’s still a bit sad to see this staple of television shrink. This is the most significant time reduction that The Tonight Show has experienced since it cut down from 105 minutes to 60—and remember, that adjustment led to an entirely new show! Previously, cuts to The Tonight Show were primarily to make way for more shows. Interestingly, Saturday Night Live was born out of Johnny Carson’s refusal to have a “Best Of” program air during his Saturday time slot. This time, it will only be for reruns. Goodnight, sweet Friday. May the melodies of Hashtag the Panda soothe you in your slumber.

5. WWHL Is Asking the Right Questions

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=8DsJNAhj_hE

As a movie enthusiast, let me express my admiration for Marianne’s bold and entertaining approach during her appearance on WWHL. Her inquiry about the potential romantic tension between Professor X and Magneto in the First Class movies was both daring and hilarious. The casual yet authentic New York tone she used when pronouncing “X-Men” was a delight, adding an extra layer of realness to her comments.

4. Jimmy Fallon Dies, Repeatedly

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=3cfJm7YBgSY

1) I’m utterly captivated by Jimmy Fallon’s Tonightmares, the spooky pop-up haunt at 30 Rock for Halloween. Who came up with this brilliant idea? Did Fallon personally contribute to what terrifies him, or was it Universal Creative that took creative liberties? Are there emergency exits nearby, and do they somehow conflict with the Christie’s located in Rockefeller Plaza? Each night, Fallon has been startled by one of his nightmares as part of promoting this haunt. It’s just so hilarious when the camera switches to him lying lifeless on the couch. The monster’s line, “We’ll be right back,” is reminiscent of classic “Treehouse of Horror” humor.

3. Wayne Brady Does Mouth Stuff on After Midnight

https://youtube.com/watch?v=58Hve8805jU?si=SZB7CwhebTymIzbl

Each week, I remark that After Midnight consistently creates the most absurd game imaginable, only to astound me with something even more preposterous the following week. Last Monday night, the writers challenged famous personalities to do something incredibly silly: placing something sweet, savory, or a piece of paper into their mouths. Wayne Brady expressed his dismay when told he might have to eat paper. Yet, just when you thought it couldn’t get any more surprising, he demonstrated why he has all those Emmys. I won’t give away how he masterfully navigated the game, but wow! And watching him delicately deposit an item into a glass bowl? Pure artistry.

2. Kevin Hart Knows How to Sell Liquor

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=8nmjAmQOk-8

This was one of the more zippy “Day Drinking” segments in a long time. One thing about Kevin Hart? The man is a riffer. He’s also a businessman, closure of his vegan-fast-food restaurants notwithstanding. The way he can plug his own liquor brand while already half a bottle into said liquor is heroic and a skill not utilized with such aplomb since The Colgate Comedy Hour probably. Shout-out to the Late Night staff for the “Kevin’s Gate” drink concept as well. What a choice to go that dark that early in the segment.

1. Jimmy Kimmel Live! Assembles the Impressionist Avengers

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Y9bqtlWphXA

In a humorous twist, comedians Josh Meyers, James Adomian, and Haley Joel Osment portrayed Gavin Newsom, Mike Lindell, and J.D. Vance during the debate, respectively. Meyers and Adomian have been perfecting their impressions of these characters on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, and they’ve truly nailed it. It was particularly amusing to see some jabs aimed at the Democrats with the Newsom impression, really emphasizing his aloof skater-oligarch persona. Osment is a new addition, but he brings an unsettling, sweaty pervert vibe that suits Vance’s character quite well. With Adomian and Osment bouncing off each other, it felt like watching an episode of the “Comedy Bang! Bang!” podcast on TV since the “Comedy Bang! Bang!” show on IFC. The excessive exclamation points added to our viewing enjoyment! Kudos to them for such an entertaining performance as a public!

2024-09-13 18:53