/
Seth Meyers Celebrates 10 Years on Late Night TV
/
Advanced
Advanced
FILE - Seth Meyers arrives at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Los Angeles. Meyers celebrates his tenth year hosting "Late Night with Seth Meyers." (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Seth Meyers Celebrates 10 Years on Late Night TV

February 23rd, 2024

Entering his tenth year at the helm of "Late Night with Seth Meyers," Seth Meyers reflects on the evolution of his role as the show's host. Initially, it took him half a year to gain a solid level of confidence, and over time he has departed from some late-night hosting traditions, including delivering a standing opening monologue. He now spends the entire show seated at his desk, adding to the more relaxed atmosphere by wearing casual attire instead of formal suits. Meyers has become known for signature segments like "A Closer Look," which offers a satirical analysis of current events, as well as playful features such as having drinks with celebrities and exploring failed jokes with his writing team. Emphasizing the importance of talking about jokes that don't work, Meyers finds it equally important to acknowledge these moments as part of the creative process. Another innovation is his digital series "Corrections," which engages directly with his audience by addressing errors pointed out in YouTube comments, creating an intimate and transparent space for his viewers. As Meyers prepares to celebrate this significant milestone with former "Saturday Night Live" colleague Amy Poehler, he reflects on personal on-air moments, such as sharing the births of his children with the audience. He credits the pandemic with influencing his more casual approach to dressing, which he feels allows him to be more authentic. Meyers continues to prioritize relevance in his show, striving to reflect on current world events through his segments. He also cherishes the collaborative aspect of working with a writing team and enjoys selecting unique guests that resonate with the show's character and his personal style. With nearly two and a half decades at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Center, Meyers jokes about looking forward to a commemorative watch or pen once he reaches the 25-year mark, though he remains more committed to enjoying the journey than focusing too far ahead.
AI isn't perfect, so some things may be inaccurate. We don't necessarily endorse the views or information you see here and provide it for language learning purposes only.

💭 Discussion Questions


1
. How did Seth Meyers adapt his role as a late-night show host over the years, and what unique characteristics has he brought to 'Late Night with Seth Meyers'?
2
. Why does Seth Meyers consider it important to discuss failed jokes, and how does this approach affect the dynamic of the show?
3
. In what ways has the pandemic influenced the style and atmosphere of 'Late Night with Seth Meyers', according to the host?

📖 Vocabulary


🌐 Cultural context


Seth Meyers is a host on American late-night television, which has a history of evolving comedic commentary on current events, often blending humor with social and political critique. "Saturday Night Live" is an iconic sketch comedy show also central to U.S. pop culture.

🧠 Further reading


Chelsea Handler
Chelsea Joy Handler is a versatile and influential American talent, recognized for her work as a stand-up comedian, actress, writer, television host, and producer. Her prominent role as host of the late-night talk show "Chelsea Lately," which aired on the E! network for seven years, catapulted her to fame. Further expanding her reach, Handler ventured into the world of documentaries with her Netflix series "Chelsea Does" and continued her presence on the platform with the talk show “Chelsea” until 2017. Her impact on popular culture was solidified when Time magazine included her in their Time 100 list of the world's most influential people in 2012. Handler hails from Livingston, New Jersey, and is the youngest of six siblings. Her family background is a blend of Jewish and Mormon traditions, with her Jewish American father and German-born Mormon mother shaping her complex religious upbringing. Handler resonated with the Jewish faith, ultimately celebrating her Bat Mitzvah, yet her family history reveals complex narratives—such as her maternal grandfather's service in the German army during World War II, a fact she uncovered on a genealogy show. Growing up, she spent summers at Martha’s Vineyard in a house owned by her parents, but her academic journey at Livingston High School was marked by dissatisfaction with the school environment. Tragedy struck her family when Handler's oldest brother passed away in a hiking accident, a profound loss that occurred when she was just nine. At the age of 19, Handler embarked on a new chapter in Los Angeles, initially staying with her aunt in Bel Air and taking odd jobs to sustain her acting ambitions. It was after a DUI arrest at age 21, and the audience's reaction to her humorous recounting of the event to a DUI class, that she recognized her potential in stand-up comedy and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly. Her mother's battle with breast cancer, diagnosed in 1989, added to the array of life challenges Handler faced

Political satire
Political satire is a form of entertainment that uses humor to examine political events, figures, and institutions. Its primary purpose is not to champion specific political causes or to instigate change but to amuse its audience. Although closely related to political protest and dissent, political satire does not inherently contain a call to action. Despite its primary goal being entertainment, it often highlights the ridiculousness or errors within politics, thereby influencing an audience's perception and potentially affecting public figures' reputations. The roots of political satire stretch far into history and can be observed wherever structured government and societal categorizations have been present, signifying a time-honored tradition of critiquing and mocking authority. The works of Aristophanes, an ancient Greek playwright, stand as early evidence of satire, with his pieces often targeting notable politicians and religious beliefs of the era, casting a critical and humorous light on significant societal pillars and inviting skepticism among the populace. The Roman era further contributed to the genre through the satirical writings of Martial and the cynical commentary of certain philosophers. Throughout history, especially in times and places where freedom of speech was restricted, satire often manifested in more subtle forms. Nevertheless, its impact on public discourse was evident even in ancient democracies, such as Athens, where comic poets wielded significant influence through their satirical performances. Today, political satire continues to offer a blend of critique and comedy, reflecting society's longstanding use of wit to question and assess its political realities.

TNA Digital Media Championship
In the dynamic world of professional wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has introduced an innovative title known as the TNA Digital Media Championship. Embracing inclusivity, this championship doesn't restrict competitors based on gender, allowing both male and female wrestlers to vie for the honor. Crazzy Steve currently holds the title, celebrating his initial tenure as champion. This championship's origins trace back to an announcement on an episode of Impact! on September 30, which detailed plans for a tournament culminating in the crowning of the first champion at the prestigious Bound for Glory event. To captivate audiences, initial round matches of the tournament were available to stream on Impact Plus, YouTube for Impact Ultimate Insider members, and later across various social media platforms. The honor of becoming the inaugural champion went to Jordynne Grace, who showcased her prowess by outlasting competitors such as Chelsea Green, Crazzy Steve, Fallah Bahh, John Skyler, and Madison Rayne in a six-way match held on October 23, 2021. The championship itself boasts a distinctive design that mirrors the digital era it represents. The main belt is accented with thick gold lines and red diamond-shaped jewels, complementing the four side plates that frame the central emblem bearing the words "Digital Media Impact Wrestling." This design symbolizes not only the competitive spirit of TNA's wrestlers but also their alignment with modern multimedia platforms.