Reviews & Ratings for
"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" More at IMDbPro »

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10 out of 14 people found the following review useful:

Jimmy Fallon is the greatest man in the universe

Author: daveydavid13 from Merica
5 March 2014

After reading some of these awful reviews, I thought I might have accidentally pressed the The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno. He was awful, they needed a fresh face and a person who could resurrect the Tonight Show to its previous greatness. They hired the right man for the job, Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy is an outgoing, nice, talented and a great guy. His sketches are very funny, the monologues are interesting and funny, and the interviews are great, but some of the interviews vary in funniness, depending on the guest. Fallon is always very respectful and nice to the guest. Leno was getting old and he wasn't funny, it wasn't because of his politics. Jimmy Fallon is a lot more engaging with guests and more talented then Jay Leno. Yes, Jimmy is liberal, but he doesn't showcase his political views and is usually very fair when making jokes about conservatives and liberals. And really you shouldn't decide whether you like someone or not, because of their political views. If you do, then you already dislike 60 million Americans. These reviews of Jimmy are rather unfair, and I think you should watch a couple of episodes and judge for yourself. If you like him, then you can go to bed with a smile on your face, if you don't, then you get an extra hour of sleep. For what I've seen, Jimmy Fallon will do a great job as the host of the Tonight Show. Also, (Steve) Higgens is great and hilarious. I expect Fallon to be on air for the next 20 years. Thank you for reading my review.

2 out of 2 people found the following review useful:

Talk shows hosts have their own way, and that's that

Author: randyw01 from a chair next to the computer
5 March 2014

Fallon doesn't have the raw guttural humor of someone like Ferguson, nor should he expected to be. Fallon's semi-worship of guests has actually toned down a bit....it may drop as he ages, or not.....sometimes people just don't change.

He does not have writers that create some of the inspired bits of other shows....maybe it's not that easy to find people like that. This show is more like a very conventional show than something created with a niche audience. He'll find a way to survive.

As for people making political accusations here, you sound like very grumpy people who can't watch anything on TV without demanding that everything should be your way.

2 out of 3 people found the following review useful:

Jimmy Fallon's 'Tonight' Recalls Carson in '62

Author: (g.njoseph@hotmail.com) from United States
8 April 2014

If you want to know what Johnny Carson was like when he took over 'The Tonight Show' in 1962, Jimmy Fallon is revisiting the moment. When Carson took over the show in October of that year, he not only succeeded the iconic Jack Paar as host, a huge order, he was following an array of "guest hosts" who filled the gap that summer until he could take over. Because of his contract with ABC as host of the game show, "Who Do You Trust?", Carson had to wait to move into the job. Thus, among others, came the likes of Merv Griffin, who was simply and surprisingly sensational. People were openly wondering whether NBC had hired the wrong guy for "Tonight." As Carson was preparing to make his first appearance on "Tonight," Ed McMahon, who had been his sidekick on "Who Do You Trust?" and was following him to "Tonight" asked, "Johnny is there anything special you want me to do?" Replied Carson: "Ed, I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do." Carson was nervous, and it showed. But he grew into the job, and the rest is history. Fallon is nervous, too _he's even as skinny as Johnny was back then _ but his experience on "Saturday Night Live" has served him well. There are basic talents that a talk show host should have, but some get by with just two. They need stand-up comedy in some way, shape or form (even the late Tom Snyder could do some things funny). The need to be sit-down funny too, again, in some way shape or form. And last, it helps if they listen _ really listen. Jay Leno had the first two elements down pat, but fell down on the third _ you had the feeling he really wasn't listening, but gearing up for the next punchline. David Letterman has all three, and in fact, as an interviewer could hold his own with any newsman when it comes to questioning politicians or people in the news. Out of Letterman's feel for people came his "stupid tricks" and "Top 10" shticks. As for Leno, he had his "Jay-walking" routine, which cruelly made fun of people on the street for not being up on history or current events. Carson had an innate respect for his guests, as did Paar and as does Letterman. So does Fallon. On a recent memorable show, he began with a hip-cool opening monologue that smoothly integrated computer talk with observational comedy. The came his interview with Oscar-winning actor, Colin Firth, who was promoting his new film, "The Railway Man." Fallon's first question was stunning in its simplicity and depth: "What's it like to win an Oscar (Firth won a few years ago for 'The King's Speech')?" What followed was a fascinating revelation of what Hollywood is really like, and how the Oscar can be as much of a problem because of jealousy and resentment as it can a career booster. It became a poignant reminder that even "success" and fame come at a price. Firth immediately opening up and the conversation was one witty rejoinder after another, with the interviewer and the interviewee literally finishing each other's sentences. Then came the young actress Chloe Grace Moretz, who is starring in a new off-Broadway play, "The Library," being directed by Steven Soderbergh (it's written by his frequent screen writing collaborator Scott Z. Burns). The subject of the play: a deadly school shooting, and the impact on a young girl who survives. Try that as an interview topic when the venue is framed by humor. One could easily see why Moretz was cast in the role, an intelligent, direct and completely open performer who pulls you in with her utter vulnerability and honesty. Enter Fallon. The host easily slid into a totally different persona, with wit and yet enormous respectfulness for the subject, questioning his young guest about the play and her approach to the role. Amongst all of this, Fallon had what is gearing up to be a recurring bit, with crazy album covers, again exhibiting solid, off-the-wall humor without demeaning the musicians themselves. Jimmy Fallon is terrific. And, like Carson, he will get terrific-er.

15 out of 30 people found the following review useful:

Jimmy Fallon is Doing Just Fine

Author: gregtheassilian
21 February 2014

Let me start out with saying that I have been a long time watcher of all late night talk shows and consider my self an aficionado in the topic.

With that, I question all the complaints against Jimmy Fallon and how he is running the Tonight Show. He is taking the show in a new direction and for that I applause him. I've been watching every single tonight show this week to observe how the new set up is unfolding. Fallon brings an incredible, positive energy to the tonight show that I have not seen since Carson. He's constantly happy and lively, making the show as positive as ever.

Let me also in the past, I enjoyed Jay Leno and Conan O' Brien as hosts and they did a fantastic job with their humor and making celebrities comfortable. Fallon does the same in a peppy, great attitude towards all his guests, as well as showing how humbled he is to be hosting this legendary show. His monologues and sketches are relevant and very funny due to his amazing performance abilities and the way he executes them.

In conclusion, I'd just like to say Fallon is taking the Tonight Show in a new direction and I think it's a great one. It's 2014, we can't always compare all these hosts to Johnny Carson, that was 23 years ago. Fallon relates well with this new generation as well as still retaining the older audience with his polite, humble personality. I think great things will happen with the Tonight Show in the hands of Jimmy Fallon.

2 out of 6 people found the following review useful:

I'm gonna miss Leno...

Author: JustSomeGuy424 from Canada
27 February 2014

So let me start off by saying that Jimmy Fallon is doing alright so far. The fact that people hate him and are criticizing him is stupid, because he is "with the times".

Change has to happen eventually, but people seem to not be able to let go. I like Jimmy's material because he is so full of life and whenever he does one of his signature skits I can't help but laugh my butt off. Although he is not that active with the audience, he is very active with the celebs when they play the games. Because some talk shows are a big bore, while Fallon keeps the celebs entertained and that makes them happy when they are invited back to the show.

No, I am not some NBC guy because i am actually from Canada. But give Jimmy a chance, his Youtube account is flaring up and now we have Late Night with Seth Meyers which is not bad so far.

In conclusion, this is a great show. Don't jump on the bandwagon and stop watching the show because some butt hurt prick doesn't like this comical genius. It is funny and Jimmy will succeed with being the host, because whether you like it or not The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon's ratings are sky rocketing. And in 20 years you guys will be hating on Seth Meyers for taking Jimmy's spot in the Tonight Show :)

14 out of 32 people found the following review useful:

Train Wreck...I give it 6 months at best

Author: qormi from United States
19 February 2014

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Jimmy Fallon is absolutely talent-free. He is immature, awkward, and clueless. He's a 13 year old trapped in a 39 year old man's body. His monologues are so lousy as to make one uncomfortable...I even pity him at times. Whenever he interviews a guest, Fallon shamelessly kisses their butts like there's no tomorrow, eagerly giggling at everything they say. I believe NBC made a huge mistake in dumping Leno for this amateurish fool. I predict that once the ratings hit the cellar, NBC execs will look back on what made Leno Number One...talent and the ability to connect with people. Leno will be back hosting the Tonite Show by September...from beautiful downtown Burbank.

4 out of 13 people found the following review useful:

Spoiler ALERT!!!

Author: Daniel Lopez
23 February 2014

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Jimmy Fallon lacks pizazz. There spoiler alert. There is no excitement; just a drawn out set of routines. Where is the authenticity? or any sense of chemistry between the host and guests. Rapport building is what is missing from his show; instead it's shallow, and monotone...From beginning to end..Each guest is used as a means to bolster his show, as opposed to giving the viewing public an insight into those he invites on.

In order for this show to have any sustainability it will need to have some heart, have some spirit instead of feign interest. Ultimately, it comes with who Jimmy Fallon is as a person and whether he cam emit a persona that draws in the audience. In other words, he needs to come into himself if he can garner more confidence, and give an authentic piece of himself into the job; perhaps, he may have himself a legacy. If not, I suggest NBC produce, a Last Comic Standing, with established Hollywood type comedians, as well as up and coming comedians, i.e. Gabriel Iglesias....that's a guy with talent, and whole bunch more that would draw TV viewers their way.

6 out of 17 people found the following review useful:

Idiotic replacement for the likes of Leno and Johnny Carson

Author: climbingivy (climbingivy@msn.com) from United States
24 February 2014

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

N.B.C. aka the National Broadcasting Network has lost their liberal minds.Steve Allen,Jack Paar,Johnny Carson and Jay Leno knew that the Tonight Show was not about the host, but about the guests appearing, and the give and take between the host and the guests.Now with Jimmy Fallen as the host, the show is garbage.What is to like?Jimmy Fallen with Justin Timberhead, rapping and dancing around like a couple of fools.I believe that you N.B.C., dumped Jay Leno because he dared to make fun of Republicans and Democrats.We can't have a N.B.C. host making fun of Democrats can we? Fine N.B.C.! What you have done is to destroy another American institution with a liberal punk who has no talent.Keep it up N.B.C., you have ruined the Olympics coverage with liberal puke hosts.Now you have destroyed what Steve Allen,Jack Paar,Johnny Carson and Jay Leno worked so hard to build up.

7 out of 19 people found the following review useful:

Fallon is infected with "Conanitis" and bores to tears

Author: sightgeist310 from California
18 February 2014

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Jimmy Fallon's first Tonight Show started off with a saccharine, way-overlong introduction of his band, sidekick, and even his parents sitting in the cheap seats. Fallon segued into a watered-down monologue sadly reminiscent of Conan O'Brian's sanitized and lobotomized Tonight Show placebos (evidently pre-approved by the cretin suits at NBC corporate HQ). Fallon's signature schtick, including his formidable impressions, his witty, snarky stand-up comedy, and his impish flirting with everyone, was totally missing. Like Conan, the things we like about Jimmy were apparently left on the set of his old show. There wasn't a single laugh in the entire show.

More to the point, Fallon's supplicating, phony interview style is simply nauseating. And his fake high-pitched laughter at everything, funny or not, is cringeworthy.

And Kim Kardashian as a walk-on guest on the premiere show? Seriously? Ugh!

O'Brian failed because he lost the edginess and sparkling originality that made his former late night show so watchable. He lasted ten very entertaining years with that energy when everyone thought he wouldn't last six weeks. It's as if he - and now Fallon - had become so intimidated by the main stream viewing audience of the Tonight Show that they feared offending the suits and aging boomer demographics .

The Tonight Show itself (along with Letterman's and Kimmel's copycat shows) has long since morphed from the original thoughtful talk show premise (as it was with Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and to a lesser extent, Johnny and Letterman) with authors, polemicists, satirists, offbeats, raconteurs, and truly interesting interview subjects (like the formidable Charlie Rose Show) into an unending parade of hour-long commercial plugs for the latest saccharine movie confection defecated upon the public by the same studios that own these shows and their networks.

Instead of reviving the original premises that made the Tonight Show a classic in American television, Fallon is obviously under orders from corporate to start regurgitating the same old tiresome sales pitch format for the latest blockbuster crap on 2,500 screens nationwide.

Fallon's first interview with WIll Smith, usually an entertaining actor but here a rather dimwitted interview guest, was a soporific of the first magnitude. Their endless, mutual butt kissing was sickening. Actors are usually terrible interview subjects when their main motivation is plugging their latest film. While Smith mercifully didn't have any new flick to plug, he bored the life out of us bragging about how his spoiled kids transitioned from skis to snowboards. Fallon and Smith sent most of the "interview" falling all over each other with congratulations.

MEMO TO FALLON: Actors are show business insiders, possessed of endless intriguing stories about how the whole mysterious system works. They have the inside dope on the biz, and that's what we want to hear about. No one, and I mean no one, cares about their fricking kids' hobbies or how tall they've grown. B-o-r-i-n-g.

"How's your family?" is evidently going to be one of Fallon's generic, banal fall back questions since he obviously has no real interest in thoughtful conversation and amusing show biz anecdotes from his guests. Fallon has to learn to listen to his guests and invest some real interest in the conversation. It's as if he really doesn't like the interview part of the show.

The legendary U2, Fallon's first musical guest, appeared on Fallon's oddly cramped, pint-sized stage like a rock band from decades past that should have been long-since retired. The oddball setup made Bono look and sound like some high school student's embarrassing father trying to act hip. It was uncomfortable to watch a world- class act like Bono sing from the interview chair next to Fallon, with its flat, direct lighting and grandpa-style chairs. It made Bono appear more like a half-bombed Karaoke lounge singer than a musical heart throb.

Fallon is predictably playing it safe by the corporate play-book, i.e.: not controversial, funny or edgy. Like Conan, Fallon will be (revealed by his own Freudian Slip on his first show) only hosting "for now."

Bottom line: Fallon is a great ensemble sketch actor and impressionist, but he lacks the talent necessary as a talk show interviewer.

3 out of 12 people found the following review useful:

Saturday Night Live 6 days a week!

Author: caspian1978 from Boston, MA
24 February 2014

Lorne Michaels deservingly owns late night on NBC. Since the 1970's, he has built an audience of millions of fans in multiple generations to tune in. Now with the Carson era ending with the departure of Leno, Late Night is changing and the goal of Lorne Michaels is to kill it! From the very beginning with Steve Allen and Jack Paar, the audience was made up of 40-80 year-olds who would drink coffee at night, eat cheese dip and fall asleep on the "lazy boy" with their curlers in their hair. As goes the demographic of late night, so goes the overall TV audience. The Baby Boomers grew up with Carson and inherited Leno and Letterman. That demographic is now in their 60's and are fading away. Many are starting to watch something else. The new audience that make up the large majority of Late Night TV will be the SNL crowd. Youngsters who are staying up late and anyone younger than Jimmy Fallon. The older generation has been shown the door for the most logical reason, TV is changing. The days of only having 3 channels on the television set have been forgotten. With hundreds of cable stations, pay per view, and the internet, the television audience has shrunk. The majority of fans that watch a certain show are no longer watching it live, but are watching it online the next day. Therefore, the audience of the future and the rating systems is going to change. If something great happened on Late Night on Tuesday, I'll watch it online Wednesday morning while on the way to work. With that said, the Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show can't be compared to any previous host of the Tonight Show. Much like Leno replacing Carson, it was a completely different show. For TV's new audience, you have 6 full nights of Saturday Night Live. And for the audience of old, you still of Letterman for a few more years.

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