Late Night Rewind: best and worst of late night’s first two weeks back

With the end of the WGA strike, television is returning to normal. Late-night talk shows and “Saturday Night Live” made their return the past two weeks and have had some great moments along with lackluster ones as well.

Sophia D’Ovidio lays out the best segments from this medium, and Evan Smith points out the moments that remind audiences these shows are still returning to full form.

Late Night Best

The late-night return was a long time coming and will still feel somewhat off until the SAG strike is also concluded, as actors cannot promote any non-approved project at all.

However, the hosts brought back guests and their segments for the return.

One of the best moments was the return of “Jokes Seth Can’t Tell” on “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Seth Meyers is one of the better hosts currently working, and this segment exemplifies why.

Bringing out his two writers, Jenny Hagel and Amber Ruffin, to deliver the punch lines of jokes that are rather dicey isn’t just a great way to show off his writing staff but just a hilarious segment. Meyers, Hagel and Ruffin are clearly friends and as charismatic as ever.

Another bright spot comes from Stephen Colbert during his interview with John Mulaney. Colbert and Mulaney are naturally funny and articulate. Anytime they talk to each other, a great moment is bound to happen, and this week is no exception.

Jimmy Fallon got into some hot water due to a Rolling Stone article exposing his set's alleged toxic workplace environment. Fallon seemingly apologized to his staff and believes the environment is improved.

Fallon had some great games/segments for his shows, which has always been his forte at “The Tonight Show.” One in particular was “Celebrity Hats with Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.” Gad and Rannells are hysterical, and this segment was fun to watch.

“Saturday Night Live,” which was likely overshadowed by the hard launch of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at the show. The episode with “SNL” alumni Pete Davidson and musical guest Ice Spice marked both of their first times in the roles.

For a season premiere, “SNL” did pretty well; the “Fox NFL Sunday” sketch about the couple, along with the pre-recorded “I’m Just Pete,” were high points from the iconic sketch show. -Sophia D’Ovidio

Late Night Worst

Late-night television returned this month after patiently waiting for the end of the writers’ strike.

However, the worst of this return to television comes from one host who originally decided not to wait for the strike to end, Bill Maher.

Maher originally decided to return to work on Sept. 22, before social media backlash rained down on him, and he changed plans, taking the high road and not acting like social media played a role in the decision.

Upon his return, Maher’s show has largely consisted of him angrily speaking into a camera, sulking in his own negative opinions, leaving no room for discussion.

This ironic focus came when Maher ranted about the negatives in social media yet did not speak on the backlash he faced upon deciding to return sans writers.

“The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” was the second show that exemplified why many enjoyed the lack of late-night programming.

A majority of the other hosts seemed to have been consistently working on material for their returns, however, Fallon’s monologues consisted of many unfunny jokes that viewers spotted on social media nights before Fallon repeated them on air.

The worst segment of the first night of late night’s return was Fallon’s “Tiny Song,” which was just him poorly singing a few words before cutting into a news headline from the past five months, which was simply not entertaining.

Fallon did end the bit with a moment of appreciation for his staff and crew, which was a nice moment, even considering one piece of news that Fallon left out of his song.

Saturday Night Live returned Saturday with a show that was overall very good. However, the segment featuring an interview with Bowen Yang’s Christopher Columbus was borderline unwatchable.

Only time will tell how if the uptick in late-night quality will hold once the unexpected backlog of ideas runs out. - Evan Smith

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.edu.

Evan Smith is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ers5828@psu.edu.