Tuesday saw a new era of late night begin — a new rivalry, if you will.
For more than 20 years our televisions were dominated by Jay Leno and David Letterman. Finally, that rivalry has ceded its territory to a new one: Stephen Colbert versus Jimmy Fallon.
With Jimmy Fallon taking over NBC’s late night show, it seemed the late night scene would finally be getting a young, fresh approach to America’s nightly hour of comedy, or at least a reprieve from a presidential race and Kardashian domination.
Yes, with Leno finally gone — and not pulling a “just kidding” moment and stealing his show back — it was time to revamp late night.
Immediately how could one not like Fallon’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”? First, he moves the show back to New York City, where it originated with Johnny Carson. Second, he’s not Jay Leno.
I thought, “This is what late night dreams are made of!”
Now to be fair, Jimmy Kimmel does technically have a late night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” if you haven’t heard of it. During all this change, it was still airing. I feel inclined to mention it even though it doesn’t even deserve to be in this article.
Though he brings a young approach to his show, he just cannot compete with the stardom on NBC and CBS.
His show is a failed attempt by ABC to compete in this not-appropriate-for-primetime programming. But Kimmel is like the Chicago Bears’ Jay Cutler — Chicago hates him, football hates him, the nation hates him, but he just won’t leave.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.
A long time lover of Letterman, I now find myself a “Tonight Show” junkie. No one could beat Fallon’s “Friday Thank You Notes.” I snorted and hyperventilated with laughter.
But, as Letterman announced his retirement and Jon Stewart announced his leave from “The Daily Show,” I had my suspicions about the future of Letterman’s show.
My brain suddenly made the conclusion that Stewart would replace Letterman, and I would be recording one of the shows every night because I wouldn’t be able to decide between the two.
It was Stephen Colbert, however, who was announced as Letterman’s replacement.
The “The Daily Show” alum clearly has some comedic chops, but could he step up to the task of filling Letterman’s chair?
Either way, these younger hosts in late night are hosts college students can grow and invest in.
If 20 years is the theme, these are hosts we will enjoy into our 40s.
But after consuming “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” I quickly realized he found his place in late night..
In all honestly, both guys are funny, but there just seems to be something missing from Fallon that is so visible in Colbert — sarcasm.
Colbert is bringing humor and sarcasm to the people and seems to fit naturally behind the late night desk. Fallon seems stiff and dry.
Colbert is making a show. Fallon is playing hang out with friends.
Colbert is playing with the media. Fallon is selling out to it.
Colbert seems to bring a Stewart-esque approach to late night, maybe giving me my Jon Stewart late night dream after all.
The comparisons are endless, and while the boys of late night made friendly jokes about being on the same team, there is bound to be a rivalry.
The honeymoon period is over with Fallon, and I’ve moved onto a new affair.
I’ve come to my senses. Fallon was lust. Colbert is love.
Colbert, you’ve stolen my heart. Now only one man can steal the ratings.
Only one will triumph.
Only one man can be the late night king.
Allison Wagner
