PRINTThe write stuff
Late-night craves writers
Courtesy of NBC, Comedy Central
February 7, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
No matter the union, nothing says strike like a bushy beard. And in true strike spirit, on Nov. 5, 2007 — when members of the Writers Guild of America walked out — both Conan O’Brien and David Letterman threw out their razors to support the cause.
The situation got even hairier during the first week of January, when Letterman, O’Brien, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert resumed taping of their programs. The catch? Although Worldwide Pants, which produces CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, has negotiated agreements with the WGA, the hosts are otherwise generating their shows sans writers.
Leno, O’Brien, Stewart and Colbert all have experience making up their own jokes, and all are members of the WGA, which forbids them from writing skits and monologues. So, which TV personality can keep the audience laughing without the help of scripted material? Vox tuned in to find out.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Comedic Context: Jon Stewart, sort of a comedic jack-of-all-trades, began his career as a stand-up comic. The satirical anchor has also worked as a producer, actor and writer. In 1999, Stewart brought his incisive humor to Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, where he continues to keep America up to date on the faulty workings of U.S. politics.
Penless Procedures: When compared to other hosts, Stewart comes off as a little less comfortable hosting the show without writer support. This was especially apparent on his first episode back, where he bitterly poked fun at both sides of the strike. However, the guests haven’t strayed from the typical list of authors, politicians and journalists.
Memorable Unscripted Moment: During a recent episode, Stewart showed a video of Mike Huckabee winning Iowa’s Republican caucus. The former Arkansas governor was giving a speech on stage and standing at his side was Chuck Norris. Stewart then warned other candidates about choosing the right action star to campaign with by showing a doctored image of Steven Seagal standing behind Christopher Dodd at the senator’s concession speech.
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Comedic Context: Prior to his big break, Leno accumulated experience while performing stand-up comedy. He also hosted for Johnny Carson when the legendary host took a sick day from NBC’s The Tonight Show. Then, in 1992, he was selected to replace Carson. Today, Leno’s show is the most-watched late-night program.
Penless Procedures: At the start of the show, Leno still performs a short monologue, which works better than expected. Because many actors refuse to cross the picket line, Leno’s show includes an atypical guest list, with not-that-interesting celebrities such as chef Emeril Lagasse and second-tier candidates such as Republican Mike Huckabee. There are also more unrehearsed bits and longer interviews. Luckily, Leno’s quick wit, solid comedic talent and abnormally large chin are still present.
Memorable Unscripted Moment: During a creatively titled segment called “Doctors Tell Doctor Jokes” on Jan. 24, a doctor asked Leno if he was familiar with gastroenterology (the medical branch that specializes in diseases of the digestive tract). The fast-tongued host replied, “I know it involves lighting matches.”
The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert
Comedic Context: Colbert began his career at Comedy Central, where he co-created Exit 57, a sketch comedy show. He later wrote for The Dana Carvey Show, Saturday Night Live and Strangers with Candy. Colbert was then hired as a correspondent for The Daily Show, where he remained until the 2005 debut of his current program.
Penless Procedures: The format of The Colbert Report, a parody of such pundit-led shows as The O’Reilly Factor, is perhaps the most altered by the strike. Under the limitations set by the WGA, his regular segment “The Word” cannot air. Instead, Colbert has upped the amount of interviews per show. Fortunately, his dry delivery and pretentious attitude are in fine form.
Memorable Unscripted Moment: In his Jan. 7 homecoming episode, Colbert called the teleprompter a “labor-saving device” that reads his mind and displays the content in words. Colbert refuted his director’s claim that writers were capable enough to script his show. “The writers?” he said. “The guys on the fourth floor with the opium bongs who play Guitar Hero all day? You are telling me that those guys are responsible for what I say?”
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Comedic Context: A Harvard alumnus, O’Brien entered the industry as a comedy writer, adding his offbeat humor to shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. In 1993, O’Brien began hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and late-night’s favorite redhead is scheduled to replace Leno in 2009.
Penless Procedures: O’Brien’s hairstyle, which the comedian humorously claims has people comparing him to “the character of young Kris Kringle in Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” hasn’t been the only change on Late Night. The show itself is raw. Instead of skits or monologues, O’Brien plays with spontaneity, including segments consisting of audience participation.
Memorable Unscripted Moment: In an attempt to feed his studio audience on Jan. 10, O’Brien sent one audience member to vending machines within NBC Studios with 500 $1 bills to purchase snack food. Later that episode, the host interviewed his most random guest to date: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader and correctional probation officer Leigh Killian, whom he described as “very sexy, and she’ll kill you.”
