With a shake-up at NBC, and younger faces like Jimmy Kimmel, Nikki Glaser, Sara Schaefer and Stephen Colbert making a splash after 11 p.m., the latest crop of late-night personalities are doing more than just injecting energy into TV’s traditional talk shows—they’re making them cool again.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon may not be a stranger to NBC’s evening lineup (he’s hosted Late Night since 2009), but this February, the Saturday Night Live alum takes the reins of the most prestigious show in late-night: The Tonight Show. After the Winter Olympics, Fallon will bring his Roots-aided musical parodies, laid-back interview style and “Thank You Notes” to their biggest audiences ever.
Late Night with Seth Meyers
The “Weekend Update” host helped lead SNL into the digital age, serving as a head writer since 2006. This February, the funnyman will become the host of NBC’s Late Night at 12:35. Meyers is set for a bright future—the three former Late Night hosts have each graduated to earlier shows.
Though Pete Holmes got his start in stand-up (and later became the voice of the E-Trade baby), he rose to prominence online. His “You Made It Weird” podcast and CollegeHumor series made him a hot name in comedy, landing him the midnight slot after Conan on TBS.
John Oliver Heads To HBO
After his interim hosting stint on The Daily Show, HBO came knocking on beloved Brit John Oliver’s door, offering him his own variety show. Oliver took the offer, saying he expects “free HBO.” He will be leaving The Daily Show next year.
###Late-Night’s Best Hits: A Chronicle of the Genre’s Viral Successes
Jimmy Kimmel’s YouTube challenges
Is telling your kids you ate all their Halloween candy cruel? Well, it’s definitely funny.
Jimmy Fallon’s “Hashtag”
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake show what Twitter conversations might sound like in real life.
Arcade Fire’s Colbert Performance
The band’s great live performance included a giant paper mâché Colbert head.
Jimmy Kimmel sends reporters to ask passers-by their opinions on ridiculous fake news stories.
