The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Furry friend hosts delightful, family-friendly talk show.
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The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo
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What's the Story?
THE NOT-TOO-LATE SHOW WITH ELMO stars Sesame Street's Elmo as the host of his own talk show. After dinner in the kitchen, Elmo goes into the living room, where he interviews celebrities, plays games, and sings -- all after he's made sure it's OK with his parents, of course. Cookie Monster plays the Ed McMahon-esque sidekick role, and the audience is a blend of adults, kids, and colorful monsters. Much like another Muppet-manned production, The Muppet Show, backstage antics are frequent, and familiar puppets like Abby Cadabby and Zoe work as stagehands, while Bert and Ernie monitor the control room. At the end of each episode, Elmo sings a ballad about the show's events.
Is It Any Good?
Who would have thought that this excitable red critter would be the perfect host for a late-night TV show? Elmo is great at banter with the guests, and the content is extremely family-friendly, especially for the preschool set. Kids can play along to the "silly dance" break, while parents will enjoy fun guests like John Mulaney and Kacey Musgraves. The interviews don't contain the usual jokes and promotions late-night guests provide, but that just means they're full of surprises, like a toothbrushing song from the Jonas Brothers. These 20-minute episodes could become part of a family's evening wind-down, but they're fun to watch anytime, and little ones will love having a "late night" experience that's way before parents' bedtime.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Elmo. What do you think has made him such a popular character? What's it like to watch him interact with human celebrities in The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo?
Elmo's parents are kind and supportive of his talk show dreams. Talk about what it means to support someone in their hobbies or interests. What are some things you like to do before going to bed?
What kinds of questions would you ask your favorite celebrity? What makes an interesting question?
TV Details
- Premiere date: June 27, 2020
- Cast: Ryan Dillon
- Network: Max
- Genre: Kids Musical TV
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: June 3, 2023
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