The 5 People Who Should *Really* Be Hosting Late Night
Calling all networks.
There's been lots of talk lately about how late-night shows are pretty much a boys' club. Case in point: Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien, Seth Meyers, James Corden, Stephen Colbert, Larry Wilmore, and now Jon Stewart replacement Trevor Noah. While Chelsea Handler had a successful run on E!, she's pretty much the only name thrown around when asked about successful female late-night hosts. And when it comes to visibility, it's kind of ridiculous that 50.8% of the population aren't represented in this hugely historic realm of TV.
While Amy Schumer and Amy Poehler *were* looked at for the Daily Show gig, and while executives say it wasn't about gender but about "the right person for the job," and yes, while we're excited to see what Trevor Noah does, it's kind of disheartening that a cultural mainstay still doesn't have a female host—even as our society basically demands it.
Here's a look at five amazing women who would be right at home behind a late-night desk. Are you ready execs? 'Cause we are.
The hilarious and enormously talented Daily Show correspondent was actually bombarded with tweets asking her to fight for Jon Stewart's spot after the Trevor Noah decision, in which she tweeted back: "Thank you but I am extremely under-qualified for the job!"(Side note: Trevor Noah began a full year after Williams.) Featured on the cover of Wired and lauded for her amazing comedic bits and satire, we completely disagree with Williams's characterization of herself—she would be a perfect choice for her own show.
The first black woman to lead the prestigious comedy mag The Harvard Lampoon (notable alumni include the likes of Conan O'Brien and B.J. Novak), the not-yet-graduated Wilkinson and her co-editor have really ushered the 138-year-old magazine into the current media environment—upping the number of issues produced, launching a parody website, and tackling issues like gender and race in nuanced ways. While Wilkinson might be a tad junior, we do know she's on the job hunt, and would bring in young viewers that late night is known to have a hard time grabbing. (She would at least make for a great correspondent or "man number 2" as there have literally been none in late night. Not even Craig Ferguson's robot counts—he was voiced by a man.)
The Saturday Night Live star is one of the most lovable and hilarious on the show—and her first late night interview with Seth Meyers just proves how amazing she'd be doing her own thing.
One of the funniest bits on Kimmel is always when Silverman visits, and the comic's interview with Jerry Seinfeld on Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee just shows how great her anecdotal range is. (You need those skills to keep some interviews going, people.)
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
The actress is probably best known for her role of Mel on Flight of the Conchords as well as The Last Man on Earth, but the Colorado-native was also a cast member of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, giving her both the comedic timing and experience to wrangle a late night show of her own.
You should also check out:
The People Have Spoken, and They Want Tina Fey to Host 'The Daily Show'
Jimmy Kimmel on the Lack of Women Hosting Late-Night Shows: "Networks Are Stupid"
Samantha Leal is the Deputy Editor at Well+Good, where she spends most of her day thinking of new ideas across platforms, bringing on new writers, overseeing the day-to-day of the website, and working with the awesome team to produce the best stories and packages. Before W+G, she was the Senior Web Editor for Marie Claire and the Deputy Editor for Latina.com, with bylines all over the internet. Graduating from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University with a minor in African history, she’s written everything from travel guides to political op-eds to wine explainers (currently enrolled in the WSET program) to celebrity profiles. Find her online pretty much everywhere @samanthajoleal.
-
Why Fans Are Speculating Caleb and Mariah Are the Most Likely Couple to Leave 'The Ultimatum' Season 3 Engaged
Could they be evidence of how the reality show's experiment is actually supposed to work?
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Yeti Coat Trend Has It-Girls in Its Grasp
Dressing like a mythical beast is so hot right now.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Taylor Swift Spreads Holiday Cheer in Miu Miu Tartan
Her presence is a present.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
The 100 Best Movies of All Time: The Ultimate Must-Watch Films
We consider these essential viewing.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 65 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Tasteful Nude Movies That Feel Like Art
Steamy and sensual, but in an elevated way.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published