When I was eighteen, Jimmy Fallon became the host of Late Night taking over Conan O’Brian’s spot, and I was transfixed. Fallon was something fresh and young. That was something very appealing to me because after watching greats like David Letterman and Jay Leno for years, I appreciated Fallon’s youth and exuberance. However, his age was not the only appealing factor, but his impersonations and musical talent as well. Immediately I was taken by the way he told jokes, as I had switched years ago from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno when I felt he had gone too far in some notable court cases. His jokes were quite repetitive, cruel, and old. Not only were Fallon’s jokes humorous, they still managed to poke fun of the elite, famous, and politicians; there was more backing to it. They weren’t just cruel and angry, but smart and actually funny.
Late Night Hashtags and Thank You Notes were always personal favorites of mine. These signature jokes of his, especially the #Hashtags really bring comedy into the 21st century. It is important to keep comedy fresh and with all the tweeting our generation does, this segment does just that. I have no doubt that he will be able to attract an older generation considering his guest list in the past on Late Night and even so far on the Tonight Show. A lot of the music he did covers of took place in the sixties and he has even had guest appearances of those sixties and seventy greats. He will most undoubtedly also attract younger people and of course the SNL generation, however I feel if one is looking for a more senior comedian there is always the continuously funny David Letterman.
The Tonight Show needs someone fresh in today’s world with also knowledge and respect for the past. I feel Jimmy Fallon will be able to bring laughter to that incredibly difficult mix of new and old.
