The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) Review – Watch on CocoFlix

The Perennial Party Host

2014 marked the year the iconic late-night staple came home to New York and set the ball rolling on the next chapter as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon premiered. After Jay Leno's second departure, the coveted spotlight fell on the energetic Jimmy Fallon. Like many great late-night shows, Fallon focused on interviews, comedy skits and bites, and musical guests, but chose to highlight a particular brand of entertainment that featured a high frequency of fun, interactive games that established his show as "the hottest party in town."

Although the show was not a replacement of biting political shows, Fallon's debut was "more sweet than sassy." Lively and good natured, audiences saw Fallon's show as an escapist outlet from the monotony of everyday life. Fallon's innovative approach to classic late-night entertainment was lauded throughout his first season of high viewership and positive reception, particularly among younger audiences, his most loyal fans. Through his approachable style and high-energy games, Fallon had struck a chord with his viewers.

A Playground of Playfulness and Laughter

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon excels in creating fun and light atmosphere. Fallon’s biggest strengths are marvelously clear when he invites celebrities to play games, mostly elaborate and silly games like Lip Sync Battle, Box of Lies, or Pictionary. These games elevate the show in the best way as they showcase Fallon’s improv skills, and most importantly, how far his guests are willing to go. Some examples are ‘Pitch Perfect’ Lip Sync performances, Boobert’s Christmas presents in the lies box segment, or Joseph Gordon- Levitt’s ‘Not Safe For Work,’ safe for work imitations. The fact that these bits are interactive makes each show more unpredictable and often results in a television delight both in studio and on thousands of fans’ screens, hence making their segments go viral. The show has laid its bets on positivity and playfulness which ultimately makes the show very accessible, and the aspect that draws the adverse audience the most is the fun positive energy he brings to late night TV.

Even the criticisms and praises of Fallon’s laughing around his guests are part of the formula. The fact he is a good time Charlie G. helps the guests feel at ease, and have fun, ultimately revealing more relaxed and humorous sides than in traditional interview settings. The energetic good vibes party atmosphere coupled with musical guests creates a guest appearance show that is consistently entertaining and positive. The positive and playful tone coupled with the energetic good vibes party atmosphere makes guests relax, and reveals sides of guests they never have before. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’s reputation as a consistent, positive, and entertaining show has solidified their dominance on Coco Flix.

Where the Party Sometimes Stumbles

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is as beloved as it is criticized. Fallon’s emphasis on positivity means some legitimate interviews suffer. When discussing Fallon’s “weakness in interviews,” it’s pointed out his ‘eagerness to please’ guests develops a ‘reluctance to push’ or challenge them, resulting in either a failing lack of meaningful conversations, dripping with a lack of Fallon’s character, or more bluntly, promotional conversations.

Additionally, many direct the show’s format stating its reliance on ‘Prom King Comedy’ drives sustained interest. There is value in games and celebrity appearances, but persisting in that format drowns the greater value of the late-night format, which is unexpected and unique but more importantly, provides a vehicle for wit. It’s understood the results of Fallon’s entertainment mindset are a format of “safe” TV. While this is ‘friendly,’ it’s ‘safe’ to a point of driving away viewers interested in challenging and quality programming. For example, while Fallon’s frequent laughing is ‘endearing,’ it’s also distracting and has crossed the line into tic behavior. Ratings show dissatisfaction, with viewers deeming the show a bust, even with high viewership, largely because they deem Fallon “not funny” or “not entertaining.”

The show has raised a few eyebrows with its dedication to constructing a celebratory space with little concern for nuance. Late Night programming with real teeth isn't this, and it probably isn't for those that are seeking that in their programming. But if you're after a laugh at three am and you can look beyond some of the glaring issues of the format, this show will do the trick.