Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fallon brings a younger vibe to classic talk-show format.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the show is entertaining, featuring a good mix of humor that many find funny, although it sometimes touches on content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some fans argue it's suitable for teenagers and older, others believe it should be aimed at ages 16+ due to language and suggestive remarks.
- funny segments
- suitable for teens
- language concerns
- hit or miss
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
With Jay Leno retiring in 2014, the former host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon sits down in the host's chair on THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON. In many ways, Fallon maintains the same time-tested formula as his long line of illustrious predecessors, starting with a nightly monologue poking fun at the news of the day, moving on to a goofy skit or two, and then introducing a celebrity guest with a product to plug. Fallon also imports some of his old show's features, such as announcer Steve Higgins and groovy house band, The Roots with bandleader Questlove. The Tonight Show has been on the air for more than five decades.
Is It Any Good?
Jay Leno maintained impressive ratings throughout his late-night tenure, but his gentle jibes about the topical matters and celebrity foibles were always more popular with Baby Boomers than younger viewers. Thus NBC seems to be courting a younger crowd by replacing Leno with Fallon, whose stock in trade on his own late-night show were what became viral video phenoms, such as the History of Rap series with Justin Timberlake or the hard-hitting look at the Evolution of Mom Dancing with Michelle Obama.
Fallon's showman's razzle-dazzle zeal is also unique among talk-show hosts and is evident in his sit-ins with The Roots, as well as long-running gags such as dance contests with celebs including Sam Rockwell and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. But all in all, his show is largely a continuation of The Tonight Show that came before: a comfortable digestion of the day's events that's there when you need it, missable when you gotta get to bed early, but always a reliable source of at least a few chuckles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about celebrity culture. The show's guests include lots of celebrities, who are usually promoting their latest projects. Do you think these interviews make stars seem more human? Does the host ever seem to be fawning over his famous guests?
Why have silly and outrageous antics become standard fare on late-night TV? Do you think these bits are ever so silly that they're no longer funny? Which ones make you laugh, which ones make you groan, and why?
The Tonight Show has had some infamous staffing conflicts over the years, including the most recent, when NBC ousted Conan O'Brien from The Tonight Show and replaced him in 2010 with Jay Leno. Did that scandal hang heavy over Leno's show? Will it affect Fallon's version?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 17, 2014
- Cast : Jimmy Fallon
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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