The Kilborn File
By Will Wade,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Snarky talk show veteran returns; some iffy stuff.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
Craig Kilborn -- veteran host of The Daily Show, The Late Late Show, and SportsCenter -- is back with THE KILBORN FILE, a daily topical humor series. He packs the standard late-night format into a breezy, 30-minute, early-evening version (it airs at 7 p.m.) that features an opening joke-filled monologue, quick skits, and a celebrity interview. The show's early-evening slot means that it's a bit less racy than its late-night counterparts, but there's still plenty of innuendo and jokes about celebrity peccadilloes, scandals, and bad behavior.
Is It Any Good?
Kilborn has a smooth, easygoing manner -- not surprising since he's spent plenty of time behind the talk-show desk. But his material isn't especially witty. The jokes are easy to see coming, and he's not always subtle about setting up his guests to hit a softball punchline. Some of the sequences feel morel ike scripted content than an organic conversation.
In a field crowded with talented entertainers, it takes a lot to set yourself apart from the talk-show pack, and it's not yet clear whether Kilborn will be able to establish himself as a must-watch or whether he'll fade into the background like so many other comedians who deliver the same shtick.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about topical talk shows. How is this series different from Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, David Letterman, etc? What does it take to stand out and succeed in this competitive area?
Who do you think is the funniest talk show host? Where does Kilborn stand in comparison to his peers?
How do shows like this one influence other areas of the media?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 28, 2010
- Cast: Craig Kilborn
- Network: Fox
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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