Late-night TV just got a whole lot more interesting, and it’s all thanks to Taylor Swift—or should we say, Taylor’s Version? But here’s where it gets controversial: while some might argue that late-night shows are losing their edge, this week’s lineup proved they’re still a cultural powerhouse. From Addison Rae’s buzzworthy Tonight Show performance (https://youtu.be/Miwhl7XY6CI?si=8K3xApXrgX48ViM0) to Aziz Ansari’s bold statement on Jimmy Kimmel Live! about the Riyadh Comedy Festival (https://www.vulture.com/article/riyadh-comedy-festival-saudi-arabia-whos-going.html), the late-night circuit was anything but dull. Ansari pledged to donate part of his fee to Human Rights Watch, only to be met with a firm rejection from the organization (https://www.vulture.com/article/human-rights-watch-riyadh-comedy-festival-donations.html). And let’s not forget Jeff Bridges channeling The Dude to protest ICE (https://www.vulture.com/article/ice-protests-celebrities-react.html)—because why not use a beloved character to make a statement? Protest comes in all forms, after all.
But the real star of the week? Taylor Swift, who dominated late-night TV with her double appearances on NBC. First, she graced The Tonight Show (https://www.vulture.com/article/taylor-swift-jimmy-fallon-sourdough-travis-kelce.html) with an extended interview, followed by a full-on “Tay/kover” (https://www.instagram.com/p/DPkdgjRkksQ/) on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Just like she’s topping the album charts (https://www.vulture.com/article/taylor-swift-life-of-a-showgirl-records.html) and box office records (https://www.vulture.com/article/weekend-box-office-taylor-swift-obaa.html), Taylor proved she’s the queen of late night too. And this is the part most people miss: while The Tonight Show gave her a grand stage to discuss her album’s themes, it was Seth Meyers who truly won the interview battle. Why? Because Late Night offered a more intimate, conversational space, where Swift could open up about quirky stories like Lisa Bonet’s snake getting stuck in her walls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OlLcYVKc3o). In a refreshingly honest moment, she admitted her ability to churn out albums stems from being “not well-rounded.” It was like seeing the glamorous showgirl (Kitty Finlay) on The Tonight Show and then catching her raw, unfiltered self backstage on Late Night—and honestly, that’s the version we needed.
Elsewhere in late-night land, The Daily Show reminded us why ensemble comedy is its forte. Correspondent Jordan Klepper and host Josh Johnson revived The Simpsons’ classic “That’s good, that’s bad” bit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH0W_ccOaXc), riffing on Trump’s policies with just the right mix of humor and frustration. Meanwhile, Adam Pally’s uncanny ability to dissect Mary Cosby’s personality on Nobody Wants This felt like a masterclass in xenobiology—yes, you read that right. And Justine Lupe? She went from an underappreciated player in Succession to a late-night standout, sharing a hilariously relatable story about taping her butt cheeks together for an awards show. It was the perfect blend of Hollywood glitz and everyday awkwardness.
Channing Tatum also stole the spotlight, showcasing his dancer’s precision in a candy-catching challenge against Jimmy Fallon. It was a moment that reminded us why celebs and games can be a winning combo—when done right. Speaking of celebs, Taylor Swift appearing on two talk shows in one week might not seem groundbreaking, but it is. Publicists still shudder at the booking wars of the ’90s, but Swift’s doubleheader felt like a strategic masterstroke.
So, who really won late night this week? Seth Meyers, hands down. His interview with Swift was the perfect balance of humor, honesty, and depth. But here’s the question: Is late-night TV still the cultural force it once was, or is it just riding the coattails of stars like Swift? Let us know in the comments—we’re ready for the debate!
