In a story earlier this year, marking ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s move to the 11:35 p.m. time slot, I predicted a promotion for NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, which proved true when he was named Jay Leno’s heir on the network’s “Tonight Show.” I didn’t have to be Nostradamus to see that one coming. Over the weekend, NBC announced Fallon’s “Late Night” replacement – Seth Meyers. And no one is surprised.
It’s not that all white guys look alike or practice the same type of comedy. Meyers, SNL’s head writer, most prominently made his mark at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2011 in an appearance that mocked Donald Trump and won raves. Fallon’s nice guy persona contrasts with Kimmel’s mischievous bad boy. Leno and David Letterman over at CBS almost qualify as senior statesmen by now. But despite a tweak or two around the edges, late-night shows have hardened, with their opening monologues and guys-behind-a-desk format. The next generation promises to operate within the same narrow demographic.
This is happening while the Washington political world, never known for taking chances, is making noises and trying baby steps toward diversity. A two-term African American president reflects the electoral power of a changing America, and both major political parties are noticing in policies that profess to reach out.
