Late night talk shows are the hottest topic in TV these days, unfortunately not for the right reasons.  What used to be some of the best shows under the ‘Big Top’ of TV, are now wondering which host may fall off the tightrope first.

The most recent newcomer looking to balance on the wire is George Lopez, whose Lopez Tonight premiered last night.  Lopez’ known niche is poking fun at his own Mexican culture and other ethnic stereotypes.  A similar platform continued last night as his monologue and skits both pushed the prejudice envelope.  I hope Lopez doesn’t used all his material all in the first week.  TBS may have to rewrite their tag line, TBS: very funny, to TBS: sorry about that.

Although Lopez is new to the talk show game, longtime late night leaders, Jay Leno and David Letterman have received their own ridicule.  Both are in hot water, with Letterman’s recent reported internal relationships and Leno’s lack of ratings with his primetime slot.  Recently I attended a taping of The Jay Leno Show, now considered a questionable experiment for NBC.  Leno continues to connect to his wide ranged audience but their were moments at the live taping where Leno looked tired, fighting a losing battle.

On the brighter side I would give the ‘up and coming ring leader award’ to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  Since taking over Conan’s late night spot, Fallon is still fine-tuning his personal hosting style but the rest of the show around him is strong.  Backed by The Roots as his house band, Fallon and the band team up for many of the sketches:  Real Housewives of Late Night, 7th Floor West (Parody of The Hills) and Slow Jam the News when Fallon and The Roots MC, Black Thought serenade the audience with the current new topics.

At this point, late night talk shows are stuck in a funk.  Along with Eleventh Hour, we are hopeful this funk is only an intermission, allowing the drama to blow over, with their best acts yet to come.

Matt Suttner usually watches late night talk shows before going to sleep but lately they have just been putting him to sleep.