Who has hosted the Late Night show?

David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers have been the hosts of the Late Night show since its inception on February 1, 1982.

"Late Night" is a late-night talk show that combines comedy, interviews, sketches, and music to entertain viewers. The show typically features a monologue delivered by the host, where they offer humorous commentary on current events, pop culture, and other relevant topics. One of the key elements of "Late Night" is the celebrity interviews. The host engages in conversations with a wide range of guests, including actors, musicians, comedians, and public figures. These interviews can be lighthearted and fun, delving into personal anecdotes or discussing the guests' latest projects and achievements. "Late Night" also frequently features musical performances from popular artists and bands, providing a platform for showcasing live music and introducing viewers to new songs and talents.

Throughout Late Night’s history, the show has undergone transitions with four notable hosts, each leaving their indelible mark on the program. They are David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers.

David Letterman: 1982 - 1993

David Letterman is a legendary television host and comedian who is closely associated with the late-night talk show genre. His contributions to late-night television have left an enduring impact on the industry. He hosted the late-night talk show "Late Night with David Letterman" from its inception on February 1, 1982, until his departure in 1993. The show aired on NBC and quickly gained popularity for its innovative and unconventional style. Letterman's dry wit, irreverent humor, and unique comedic sensibility set him apart from other hosts of the time.

During his tenure on "Late Night," David Letterman introduced several iconic segments and features that became synonymous with the show. The "Top Ten List," in which Letterman would present humorous lists of ten items on various topics, became a fan-favorite and a signature element of his hosting style. Another beloved segment was "Stupid Pet Tricks," where viewers would send in videos of their pets performing amusing tricks. Letterman's interviewing style was characterized by his wit, curiosity, and ability to bring out the best in his guests. He often engaged in playful banter with celebrities, conducted offbeat and memorable interviews, and provided a platform for unique and entertaining conversations.

David Letterman's impact on the late-night talk show format is significant, and his contributions have influenced subsequent hosts and shows in the genre. His distinctive blend of comedy, satire, and irreverence helped shape the modern landscape of late-night television.

Conan O'Brien: 1993 - 2009

Conan O'Brien is another highly influential figure in the late-night talk show landscape. He is best known for his tenure as the host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," which aired from 1993 to 2009. He took over the hosting duties of "Late Night" after David Letterman's departure in 1993. He brought his own unique comedic style and energy to the show, quickly establishing himself as a beloved late-night host. O'Brien's humor often incorporated absurdity, wit, and self-deprecating jokes, resonating with a younger audience and gaining a dedicated following.

During his time on "Late Night," O'Brien became known for his offbeat sketches, recurring comedy bits, and memorable characters. He showcased his improvisational skills through segments like "In the Year 2000," where he and his guests would make humorous predictions about the future. O'Brien's witty banter with his sidekick, Andy Richter, added to the show's charm and comedic dynamic. One of the defining moments of Conan O'Brien's late-night career came in 2009 when he briefly hosted "The Tonight Show." However, due to network conflicts and scheduling changes, his tenure on "The Tonight Show" was cut short.

Conan O'Brien's impact extends beyond his time on "Late Night." After leaving NBC, he went on to host the late-night talk show "Conan" on TBS, further showcasing his comedic talents and attracting a loyal fan base. His unique humor, quick wit, and ability to connect with both guests and viewers have solidified his status as a significant figure in the late-night talk show genre.

Jimmy Fallon: 2009 - 2014

Jimmy Fallon is a popular American comedian, actor, and television host who has made a significant impact on the late-night talk show scene. He is best known as the host of "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" and "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". He took over as the host of "Late Night" in 2009, succeeding Conan O'Brien. During his time on the show, which aired from 2009 to 2014, Fallon brought his own brand of humor, charisma, and musical talent to the late-night format. He quickly gained popularity for his infectious enthusiasm, playful personality, and ability to connect with both celebrity guests and the audience.

One of Fallon's trademarks on "Late Night" was his penchant for incorporating music and comedy in innovative and entertaining ways. He often participated in musical sketches, lip-sync battles, and comedic musical performances with celebrity guests and musicians. Fallon's musical talents, combined with his comedic timing and affable charm, made his show a unique and engaging late-night experience. In 2014, Fallon transitioned to hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," taking over from Jay Leno. The move to "The Tonight Show" further expanded Fallon's reach and solidified his position as a prominent late-night host. His tenure on "The Tonight Show" has continued to showcase his comedic abilities, celebrity interviews, hilarious sketches, and popular segments like "Hashtags" and "Lip Sync Battle."

Jimmy Fallon's approachable and lighthearted style, combined with his knack for creating viral moments, has made him a favorite among viewers of late-night television. His ability to entertain through comedy, music, and engaging conversations has contributed to the ongoing popularity and relevance of late-night talk shows.

Seth Meyers: 2014 - Present

Seth Meyers is a talented comedian, writer, and television host who has made a notable impact on the late-night talk show landscape. He is best known as the host of "Late Night with Seth Meyers," which has been airing since 2014. He took over as the host of "Late Night" in 2014, succeeding Jimmy Fallon. As the host, Meyers brought his sharp wit, political commentary, and satirical humor to the show. His background as a head writer and cast member on "Saturday Night Live" helped shape his comedic style and ability to deliver hilarious monologues.

One of the notable features of "Late Night with Seth Meyers" is the segment called "A Closer Look." In this recurring segment, Meyers dives deep into current political and social issues, providing a satirical and insightful analysis. These segments have become a signature element of his show, showcasing his ability to combine humor with astute observations. Meyers' interviewing style is characterized by his affable and conversational approach. He engages with a wide range of guests, including celebrities, politicians, and experts, conducting interviews that are informative, entertaining, and often sprinkled with humor.

Seth Meyers' presence in the late-night talk show arena has further diversified the landscape, offering a blend of political commentary, satire, and witty humor. His sharp insights, topical jokes, and engaging hosting style have made "Late Night with Seth Meyers" a prominent and enjoyable late-night destination for viewers.