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The New Old Tonight Show
First impression?
Jimmy Fallon is not Jay Leno.
That can mean several things, both positive and negative, but it’s the truth nonetheless. It’s unequivocally a new era in the long, esteemed (though recently fumbled) history of The Tonight Show. In an opening few minutes that appeared sincerely surreal to the newly crowned 39-year old prince of late night television, Jimmy Fallon expressed his gratitude and excitement for the tremendous (sorry, wrong host and network) treasured opportunity of receiving the baton of the show in late night.
The Tonight Show is back in New York City as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
He thanked his parents who were in the audience (a great moment!) and recapped how, in his younger days, he would sneak off to watch Johnny Carson’s monologue, first guest and so on. He then recalled how if somebody had told him that one day he would graduate high school, join SNL and then become host of The Tonight Show, he would have been shocked…he graduated high school!?
It will be that kind of humbleness (and more smiling!) that will help guide Jimmy Fallon in the early stages of his tenure as the host before he fully dives into the treacherous waters of late night comedy with its natural and inevitable rivalries and cross-networking jabbing.
The show’s opening sequence was directed by Spike Lee (how’s that for a New York introduction) with musical support by his trusty house band: The Roots. The set has a classic, old-school New York theater/lounge aesthetic with a Carson-inspired floor to ceiling curtain with a heavy focus on wood…lots of wood. Visually, it looks like a bit of an homage to the past, perhaps trying to channel respect for what this move represents for the show and the city of New York.
Jimmy Fallon seemed right at home last night (well, this morning) by engaging in a history of hip-hop dancing with his first Tonight Show guest Will Smith. The clothes, the moves and the comedic chemistry between the two were pitch perfect. Then, U2 rocked the top of 30 Rockefeller Center with an electric performance of their new hit single from their Super Bowl commercial, “Invisible.”
U2 + the top of New York City for the opening night = a magnificent beginning!
The night was also filled with several of Jimmy’s friends who humorously lost a bet that he’d become the host one day. One after the other, Robert De Niro, Tina Fey, Seth Rogen, Lady Gaga, a former NYC mayor, Joan Rivers, coin prankster Stephen Colbert and many more stepped out from behind the curtain to give Jimmy Fallon a funny anti-welcome that was constantly surprising and ultimately entertaining.
Plus, an acoustic U2 performance on the new couch to close the show isn’t bad either.
Where does Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show stand at this point?
It’s far too early to tell or to judge. First, some reaction needs to be reserved until the show premieres at its quintessential time slot of 11:35 p.m. Then, we need to witness the comedic and creative energy and endurance of a 10-minute monologue five days a week…every week.
The monologue was key to Jay’s success as it was his winning first impression night in and night out for 20+ years. Let’s not forget about his comedic bits and engaging interview skills as well.
“What the hell were you thinking?”
But that was Jay. He’s America’s stand-up comic. And, as the recent 60 Minutes story revealed, Jay and his writing team worked relentlessly to fine-tune each joke and each monologue, night and day, night and day.
But alas, Jimmy Fallon is more comfortable as a masterful impressionist, singer and sketch artist (more like Johnny than Jay). His show will be the same in many ways, but also different in many ways. Emphasis on certain aspects will vary as his style will define his Tonight Show legacy. As I wrote in a previous article about Jay Leno, the move to Jimmy Fallon symbolizes a generational shift in comedy, style and personalities, and not just in late night.
This will not be the only article about Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show, but instead (like last night) just the first.
Millions of Americans laughed with Jay Leno for 22 years…will these same people see Jimmy Fallon as a rising star to watch for some good laughs five nights a week?
The dynamic of returning (fans, city, style) certainly is the question for the host.
P.S. Congratulations to the real new King of Late Night: Lorne Michaels.
Only one more night left…
A Picture About Nothing?
What Year Is It?
(NY Daily News)
Worlds are colliding!
Yes, that is Jason Alexander (ie-George Costanza) and Jerry Seinfeld walking into Tom’s Restaurant in New York City, which was renamed “Monk’s Cafe” for the sitcom favorite Seinfeld. Not only were they spotted at this Upper West Side eatery, but they did so in classic George and Jerry attire.
For the record: this photograph is real and it’s fantastic!
But why the nostalgic get together with cameras filming inside?
That appears to be question on everyone’s mind. That, and where are Kramer and Elaine!?
Here are a few ideas to ponder…just imagine you’re sitting on a bench on a quintessential New York boardwalk one peaceful afternoon with beautiful white birds ready to part like the Red Sea upon reaching a conclusion with the internal soundtrack of Lionel Richie’s “Hello” playing with precision and purpose:
- It was for an episode of Jerry’s web series Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
- Jason and Jerry discussed a play that Larry David has reportedly written to bring Seinfeld to Broadway
- Jason and Jerry met to arrange a Seinfeld reunion movie
- Or, perhaps, this was ultimately a get together about nothing.
Except, as fans of the ’90s sitcom know too well, the show was never really a show just about nothing.
Whatever the reason for bringing George and Jerry back together in public, it was well worth it. It’s very likely the meeting had something to do with the recent announcement that Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David are collaborating on an exciting new project.
Jerry and George got some food at their sitcom hangout, they talked a little bit, something amazing happened, yada yada yada, the world will never be the same again.
A Big Afternoon
Several months ago, I was in New York City with my Dad and nephew for an impromptu “boys weekend,” which included dinner in a very cool SoHo restaurant and front row tickets to “The Lion King” on Broadway. The dinner and show were both fantastic and unforgettable.
In addition to what was mentioned above, one of the moments that will forever be burned into my memory was when we ventured to FAO Schwarz one late afternoon. Bound and determined, I wanted to show my nephew something special. Despite the fact it had been moved from its regular spot, we weaved through the maze of toys, giant stuffed animals, video games and LEGO’s to reach the end of what should be considered the toy store’s treasure map. Believe me, with a young boy, this was not easy.
Still, we made it to the giant piano on the floor!
Correction: We made it to the “Big” piano on the floor!
Hesitant at first, my nephew eventually started to do what all kids do on a giant piano…he slid across the keys on his knees like a boss. He was tapping, sliding and jumping around amongst the other kids, just letting loose.
It was his “Big” moment, whether he realized it or not. Aside from the fact I recorded this experience (with the slide!) and that he’s seen it a few times, years down the road when he’s experiencing a stressful moment, he can think of that afternoon and/or watch that video and remember how great it feels to act like a kid and to just have fun.
The video below has been making its way around the popular media outlets recently. Tom Hanks, host Jonathan Ross and Sandra Bullock goofing off on a big piano on The Jonathan Ross Show. What’s not to like?
Regardless of our age, it’s vital that we occasionally let that kid within ourselves come out and play once in a while.
You might be amazed at how many other people feel the exact same way.
After all, smiling and having fun is kind of a big deal.
Orange is the New Awesome
Today, I am wearing my orange gingham J. Crew button up shirt, black jeans and a pair of faded black Converse high tops. Why? I’m glad you asked.
It was one year ago, on the Friday night before the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park in NYC, when I decided to take a stroll in the early evening around the neighborhood of my hotel when…
Yes, that is Dave Grohl! And he voluntarily took the picture himself!
For the full recap of how the entire day/weekend unfolded (and there is more to this story and day), please check it out!
Not only is orange one of my favorite colors (the Dutch), but by wearing this shirt on this day, I was reminded of how great it felt to just wander a little bit. Every now and again, it’s really nice not to have any plans and to simply walk outside and let life happen.
We are living in a world that is increasingly organized and scheduled down to the minute. There are times when it’s really nice to know when something will happen. Having structure is not bad, but there still needs to be plenty of random moments when getting a little lost is okay. Sometimes, that’s when you find what you are really looking for or hoping to find, even if you couldn’t think of it beforehand.
It took me only a matter of minutes to turn off the hotel television and walk outside for a routine stroll around the neighborhood in the early evening before meeting a girl for dinner (check out the link above). Just a casual decision.
And yet, here I am, still writing and thinking about that day one year later.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 