Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 2, 2009
  • Season #: 1 , 2 , 3
Metascore
48 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
view
per page
  1. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Michael Starr
    75
    Fallon seemed a bit nervous in his monologue (who wouldn't be?), but quickly found his rhythm, firing off some snappy one-liners.
  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    60
    Jimmy Fallon took NBC's late-night slot for his first test drive early this morning, and it needs a little tuning up. It also showed some promise.
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    60
    It was an encouraging start.
  4. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Darel Jevens
    50
    An attempt to be silly like O'Brien, his Late Night predecessor, instead had a trying-too-hard feel that approached Carson Daly territory (a place you do not want to be).
  5. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Tom Shales
    50
    Fallon is far from such stature, but though his opening night had disappointments, none were crushing or looked potentially fatal. Once Fallon relaxes, hunkers down and lightens up, the new "Late Night" could win over many a semi-conscious heart and mind.
  6. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    50
    Neither great, nor horrible, nor propitious nor preposterous. It was just a start, and in the late-night TV game, sometimes that's good enough.
  7. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    50
    Fallon's monologue was understandably nervous and unremarkable joke-wise, but there were glimmers of potential.
  8. Slate
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    40
    The way things turned out, it was no worse than rather bad, and Fallon, if he can quit squirming long enough, should take a modest bow.
  9. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    40
    Despite solid tune-in out of curiosity about the new kid, Fallon's Late Night got off to a rocky start, with uninspired writing and taped pieces, an at-times visibly nervous host and a first guest, Robert De Niro, whose taciturn nature made him a poor choice for the assignment.
  10. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    40
    The NBC talk show wasn't a legendary late-night train wreck so much as a train stalled between stations, going nowhere, filled with impatient passengers.
  11. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    40
    The "Saturday Night Live" alum and occasional film actor began life as a man of chat by giving his best impression of a deer caught in the headlights while at the same time exhibiting flashes of comic flair.
  12. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    40
    On a late-night show, either the non-interview comedic bits have to be inspired, or the interviews have to be smooth. With a few exceptions, neither worked all that well during Fallon's first show. The comedy frequently fell flat, and as a host, Fallon is underwhelming at the moment.
  13. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: David Zurawik
    30
    Even granting lots of leeway for opening-night nerves, this was a pretty bad beginning for the Saturday Night Live alum.
prev next
Page:
  • 1

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.9 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 50
  3. Negative: 29 out of 50
  1. suz
    10
    I love Jimmy Fallon, he is refreshing and multi-talented, he can sign, dance and he is funny. He beats Conan all to pieces. If Jay ever decides to go I hope they choose Jimmy.… Full Review »
  2. Beats
    10
    I think the people laugh because nobody is laughing at his jokes. the roots are probably the only reason i watch not including the clips and hashtag skits.… Full Review »
  3. SpencerM
    7
    Jimmy's show is hit and miss, that being said, I give all shows a chance that pertain to my interests. Since the show has started it has gotten notably more consistent. The Robert Pattinson stuff is pretty good, Housewives of Late Night can be good sometimes as well. However, what sticks out the most is the Neil Young impersonation (which was absolutely fantastic) and when Julian Casablanca's performed 'I wish it was Christmas Today' alongside Jimmy and Horatio Sanz.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »