For years, these four hosts shaped what late night TV looked like for a new generation. This One Gotta Go card puts them side by side: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Conan O'Brien.
Three hosts keep their desks, and one signs off for good. Think about the clips you share, the interviews you remember and the host whose humor feels most like yours. Then make your pick and share the one bit or segment that made you a fan of your favorite.
Jimmy Fallon vs Jimmy Kimmel vs Stephen Colbert vs Conan O'Brien
A. Jimmy Fallon
Jimmy Fallon took over The Tonight Show in 2014 and built it around games, music and celebrity bits that go viral online. He is fun and energetic. The case against him is that some viewers want sharper comedy and harder interviews than his friendly style offers.
Keep it if: You love the games, the musical bits and the feeling that every guest is having a great time.
B. Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! for many years, with famous bits like Mean Tweets. He has also hosted the Oscars. Some viewers find his style less distinct than the others, which makes him a candidate for the cut.
Keep it if: You love his recurring bits, his everyday humor and the way he can be silly one minute and serious the next.
C. Stephen Colbert
Stephen Colbert built his fame on The Colbert Report before hosting The Late Show. He is sharp and quick, with a strong focus on current events. If you prefer lighter, less topical comedy, Colbert might be the one you would let go.
Keep it if: You love smart, topical humor and think his monologues are some of the best writing on TV.
D. Conan O'Brien
Conan O'Brien is known for absurd, offbeat humor and remote segments where he travels and meets regular people. He has a loyal fan base. He has also moved away from nightly network TV, so some viewers simply see less of him now.
Keep it if: You love his weird, unexpected bits and think his travel shows are some of the funniest TV ever made.
Our take
We would cut Jimmy Kimmel. He is a strong host, but Fallon owns the viral games, Colbert owns the sharp monologue and Conan owns the delightfully strange, which gives each a clear identity. The most fun debate usually comes from Conan fans against Fallon fans, since their styles could not be more different. Ask everyone which host they would want to grab dinner with, and the answers will tell you a lot. A quick clip from each host makes a perfect tiebreaker.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which talk show host has changed the format the most?
- Who is the best interviewer of the four?
- Do you watch late night shows live or only clips online?
- Which host would you add to this card?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Talk Show Hosts: quick answers
When did Jimmy Fallon start hosting The Tonight Show?
Jimmy Fallon became host of The Tonight Show in 2014, taking over from Jay Leno. Before that he hosted Late Night on NBC and was a cast member on Saturday Night Live. His Tonight Show is known for games and musical bits that spread online. He is also known for his many musical collaborations on the show.
What shows has Conan O'Brien hosted?
Conan O'Brien hosted Late Night on NBC, briefly hosted The Tonight Show, and then hosted Conan on TBS. He has also made travel specials and hosts a popular podcast. His offbeat style has influenced many younger comedians.
