Parents' Guide to

Last Call with Carson Daly

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Edgy docuseries offers MTV-style late-night entertainment.

TV NBC Variety Show 2002
Last Call with Carson Daly Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY presents talk show-style interviews in a documentary-like format, creating a unique late-night experience. Former TRL host Carson Daly takes his show on the road to a variety of music venues and trendy hot spots around the country, where he checks in with a variety of well-known musicians and comedians, as well as up-and-coming performers. Prerecorded performances and in-studio interviews are also featured, and Daly highlights interesting places, stories, and merchandise that he comes across during his travels.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Last Call began its run with a format that was more akin to other late-night options; its change to a more documentary-style format offers an MTV-style alternative to the traditional late-night talk/comedy show. But while Last Call may seem edgier than its after-hours counterparts, its content really isn't that different. Guests are still using the show to promote their latest records, tours, and products, and Daly is still offering his take on the world.

Some viewers will like the fact that the show has exchanged monologues, in-house bands, and silly gags for interviews filmed in black and white or from interesting camera angles. But the show's slower pace may actually leave viewers feeling sleepy rather than entertained.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how lesser-known artists are "discovered." Do you think online sources like YouTube help bring attention to performers who aren't featured in mainstream media outlets?

  • How does this show compare to other late-night options? Is it as influential as similar shows?

  • How does a TV show change its format and stay successful? Is it possible to do this with any show? Can you think of any shows that have changed their format over the years and is still popular?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: January 1, 2002
  • Cast: Carson Daly
  • Network: NBC
  • Genre: Variety Show
  • TV rating: TV-14
  • Last updated: February 24, 2022

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