The Return Of The Saturday Night Live Hosts

No, I’m not talking about the show and the Saturday Night Live hosts. You know the iconic sketch show that’s been going live every Saturday night since 1975. I’m talking about the hosts of the numerous late-night talk shows. From Seth Myers to Stephen Colbert. Yeah, those people. How are they coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and what are they doing to get back in the studio. Oh, and what are they doing after going back as well. I mean I already shared what i’m going to do when this nightmare is over. Care to check out that post again? The things I mentioned there, still apply.

The Future For The Saturday Night Live Hosts

As I previously mentioned, I’ll be doing a series of pandemic related posts here at IndieGala, but with an emphasis on hope and optimism. Also, I’ll be covering some of the most important industries in the world, and how they’re returning to the new normal. And frankly, some of them are have returned to the things they were, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Slowly but surely. Like I said. A bit of good news is desperately needed in these messed up times, and I’m going to deliver them. So, instead of going one network at a time and focusing on what’s going on, there I thought it’s good to focus on one host at a time. And yes, I’ll cover Ellen’s controversy as well. So, stay tuned. It’s going to be fun.

I mean I already covered the TV and film industry. You might as well check those posts again, and let me know what I should cover next. Your feedback is extremely important not just for me, but for IndieGala as well. So, don’t be shy. Hit that comment section, and let me know.

Some Saturday Night Live Hosts Have Tough Job Ahead Of Them

Frankly, the bravest among the Saturday Night Live Hosts are Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and James Corden. At least they were for a moment. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon already had musical guests on the show, and for the third straight year, there is a new top producer at Jimmy Fallon’s “Tonight Show.”. Jamie Granet-Bederman, a longtime producer on the NBC late-night show, will take over as showrunner. Oh and Colbert filmed the show in the Ed Sullivan Theater. But with a twist. So, since August of this horrible year, Colbert presents the program from a smaller set within the building’s office tower. It’s a replica of his own personal office seen on A Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but works just as good. And yes, the fans really relished on the fact that he hasn’t filmed the show from his home.

But the truth is, Colbert is one of the hosts that had it easy during the shutdown and lock-down. He like so many others filmed from his house and his wife made several interesting appearances. Not to mention, he made all the important interviews via Zoom, just like everyone else on the planet. But the thing is… His ratings did not plummet, as it did with the other hosts. Colbert seemed more relaxed and welcoming from his home, as opposed to many other hosts who seemed uncomfortable. And frankly out of their comfort zone. But Colbert made it, and I’m happy for him. He’s still one of the best hosts and the ratings are still strong. Especially in the midst of the Presidential election. Zoom interviews and tiny studios are the way to go for Stephen. At least for now.

James Corden Poked Fun At The New Protocols

And what protocols are we talking about?

Well, first and foremost, there are no audience members in the studios. That applies to everyone. Not just for Corden. Next, the crews that are visible onscreen, are socially distancing themselves. Like the band that you see and hear in each episode for instance. And they’re all in masks as well- as you can clearly notice. Admittedly the hosts look less alone this way, and well less deserted on air, but like I said… It’s a nice illusion of normality. However, Corden (much like Colbert) returned to a reworked studio without a guest couch or live audience on August 10, 2020. But after a brief stint at home (because he was self isolating)  Corden returned to the studio from September 21, 2020 after finishing his self-quarantine. And he’s been doing fine since..

New Venues – Old Saturday Night Live Hosts

But not all of the hosts were stuck at home in the past few months. Some of them got out of the comfort of their multi-million-dollar mansions and moved to other venues. Coughs… Seth Meyers… For instance, Conan O’Brien has been hosting his TBS show from the Coronet Theater In LA since March 2020. And honestly, he’s not in a hurry to come back to the good old studio. In July 2020 the producers, announced that Conan would continue with this format until further notice. But right now he’s filming with limited on-site staff and no studio audience — making it the first American late-night talk show to return to filming outside of the host’s residence (albeit still not from their main studio). Way to go Connan.

Jimmy Kimmel And The Emmy’s

This September, Jimmy Kimmel will have a difficult job. He emceed the last month’s prime-time Emmy Awards ceremony. Originally scheduled for September 21st, The Emmy’s were held online as well. Much like everything else this year. The ceremony was originally to be held at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was instead held at the Staples Center, while winners gave speeches virtually from their homes.  But what about Jimmy Kimmel Live? On March 16, 2020, the show suspended production due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two weeks later, on March 30, the show resumed production from Kimmel’s house, but it was reduced to 30 minutes in length. And yes, On September 21, 2020, Kimmel returned to the program, which also resumed taping from the studio without a studio audience. The show also resumed its 60-minute format, with Nightline returning to 12:35 a.m.

Ellen Is Back As Well

Last but certainly not least. I have to mention Ellen. Well, she certainly had a rough time these past few months, but she did make a comeback to daytime TV. Why the hard time you ask? Well, her namesake show was under internal investigation for promoting a toxic working environment, racism and sexual misconduct. As are some of her former senior producers. Not to mention, she got real heat to hiring a small non-union crew to work remotely in her home. While the real crew was in COVID-19 induced limbo for months and months on end.

But on March 11, 2020, DeGeneres announced othat for now she would be shooting her show without a studio audience to protect the health and safety of the fans, staff, and crew. Yes, since April 6, 2020, the show has been produced from her home. Not to mention, her DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss was promoted to producer, and has served as host for the show filling in for DeGeneres.

Which Host Is Your Favorite?

Which host are most excited about watching more of? I’m most excited about Stephen Colbert, to be honest, but I do like Jimmy Kimmel as well. But which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section. We’d love to know.