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5 Predictions For 'Late Night With Seth Meyers'

Mara Hyman |
February 24, 2014 | 1:31 p.m. PST

Associate Entertainment Editor

(@storiesfromlatenight/Tumblr)
(@storiesfromlatenight/Tumblr)
If you're a fan of "Saturday Night Live" alum Seth Meyers like I am, you're excited to see his debut tonight as a late night talk show host. He'll be taking over on NBC's "Late Night" for Jimmy Fallon, who had a very successful and seamless first week as the new host of the "Tonight Show." In anticipation for tonight, here are five things we predict and expect to see (positive and not) from Seth.

1) A revival/reenactment of "Weekend Update"

Since most Americans primarily know Seth from "SNL's" "Weekend Update" where he joked about the news, it seems likely that he'd bring that format to some extent to his new show. This would probably fit best in the opening monologue, where like the other late night hosts, he'd combine stand-up comedy with informing the public about the latest headlining stories. Seth isn't as well known for his stand-up career however, so it'll be strange to literally see him standing in front of an audience versus being behind a big desk with a co-anchor and a map of the world behind him.

2) A sidekick

The best late night shows have some sort of a sidekick to add to the humor, from Guillermo on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" to Andy Richter on "Conan." While it's tough to say who would be a good addition to Seth Meyers, perhaps the show could bring in an old "SNL" writer he's worked with or even a past sidekick from a cancelled talk show with some experience. We haven't seen Seth on TV enough especially on his own, since he usually had a co-host on "Weekend Update." Perhaps Cecily Strong, the new main "Weekend Update" host, will make a guest sidekick appearance. In a surprising twist, "SNL" alum Fred Armisen is signed on to be the band leader, so perhaps he will act like a sidekick-type giving commentary.

SEE ALSO: 7 Perfect Moments From Jimmy Fallon's First Week On 'The Tonight Show'

3) Mediocre interviewing skills

While it's not his fault, we've never seen him interview anyone legitimate. Sure, he's interviewed scripted characters on "Weekend Update," but at least he was able to anticipate their answers. We don't know how he'll react to an unexpected answer that throws him off or leads the conversation in a new direction. He'll likely bring on guests he knows during the first week to make him comfortable with interviewing, and he is pretty outgoing, so it should be interesting to watch. Who knows, he could surprise us - after all, Jimmy Fallon was once in his shoes coming from "SNL" with little interview experience, except in Jimmy's case, he was in multiple "SNL" sketches. Here is a clip of Seth on "The Ellen Show" practicing his interviewing skills:

4) Lots of sketches

In addition to piloting "Weekend Update," Seth was also known for being a head writer on "SNL," so naturally he is a creative and funny person. For that reason, we should expect an emphasis on comedy sketches, whether Seth is in all of them or not. Perhaps this show will allow more of America to see his acting abilities shine through. Regardless, Seth has a good relationship with NBC, and the execs will likely be able to assist with funding and promoting great content. Who knows, maybe we'll see a couple sketch apperances from "SNL" characters such as Stefon.

5) Good range of guests

As I mentioned, there's a good change the first week will be filled with familiar faces, especially people from "SNL," with whom Seth is comfortable. In fact, at least on the first show he will have a sidekick in the form of Amy Poehler to make him comfortable - and given her upbeat personality and experience hosting the "Golden Globes," this is a very smart move. Some of the guests during the first week include Joe Biden, Kanye West (that'll be an interesting interview) and Patrick Stewart.

Tune in to "Late Night With Seth Meyers" tonight on NBC at 12:35 est.

Reach Associate Entertainment Editor Mara Hyman here



 

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