The Best Talk Show Host Monologues of All Time
When it comes to late night talk shows, the monologue is often the most important part of the show. It sets the tone for the rest of the night, and it's the host's chance to connect with the audience and showcase their comedic skills. Over the years, there have been many great talk show hosts who have delivered some truly memorable monologues. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best talk show host monologues of all time.
1. Johnny Carson - Final Monologue on The Tonight Show
Johnny Carson is widely regarded as one of the greatest talk show hosts of all time, and his final monologue on The Tonight Show is a classic. After 30 years on the show, Carson delivers a heartfelt farewell to his audience. He thanks his staff, his band, and his fans before ending with these words: "I bid you all a very heartfelt goodnight." It's a simple but powerful moment that shows Carson's genuine love for his audience and his appreciation for all of their support over the years.
2. David Letterman - Post-9/11 Monologue on The Late Show
In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, David Letterman took a week off from his show. When he returned, he delivered a powerful monologue that struck a chord with his audience. He spoke about the tragedy in a way that was funny, yet respectful. He also praised the first responders who were working tirelessly to save lives in the aftermath of the attacks. The monologue was a reminder of the resilience of the American spirit, and it's one that many people still remember to this day.
3. Jimmy Fallon - Lip Sync Battle with Emma Stone on The Tonight Show
Sometimes, it's not just the words that make a great monologue. Case in point: Jimmy Fallon's lip sync battle with Emma Stone on The Tonight Show. The two celebrities took turns lip syncing popular songs, and the result was a hilarious, high-energy moment that went viral. It showed off Fallon's skills as an entertainer and highlighted the fun, playful vibe of his show.
4. Ellen DeGeneres - Coming Out Monologue on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Ellen DeGeneres is known for her upbeat, positive energy on her show, but she's also made history with moments of vulnerability and honesty. One of those moments came in 1997, when DeGeneres came out as gay on her show. Her monologue was heartfelt and emotional, and it helped pave the way for more LGBTQ representation on television.
5. Conan O'Brien - First Monologue on Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Conan O'Brien has had a long and successful career in late night television, but it all started with his first monologue on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. In the monologue, he introduced himself to the audience and showed off his quirky, offbeat sense of humor. He also took a few jabs at his predecessor, David Letterman, which set the tone for his rivalry with Letterman over the years.
6. Seth Meyers - A Closer Look at Trump's Immigration Policy on Late Night with Seth Meyers
Seth Meyers' "A Closer Look" segments have become a staple of his show, and one of the most memorable ones came in 2018, when he tackled President Trump's controversial immigration policy. Meyers' monologue was brutal and unflinching in its criticism of the policy, but it was also filled with humor and astute observations. It was a reminder of the power that late night talk show hosts have to shape the national conversation.
7. Jon Stewart - First Monologue on The Daily Show
Like Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart got his start as a late night talk show host with his first monologue on The Daily Show. In the monologue, he introduced himself to the audience and laid out his vision for the show. He also took a few shots at the news media, which would become a recurring theme during his tenure as host.
In conclusion, talk show host monologues have the power to entertain, inform, and inspire. Whether it's a heartfelt goodbye from Johnny Carson or a hilarious lip sync battle from Jimmy Fallon, there have been many memorable moments over the years. These monologues are a testament to the talent and creativity of the hosts who deliver them, and they've helped shape the landscape of late night television.