By ALYSSA HADDAD
Staff Writer
After thirteen memorable years on Saturday Night Live, Seth Meyers is ready to take over Late Night on Monday, Feb. 24. This is a big move for Meyers, considering the previous hosts of Late Night include big comedic names like David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and most recently, Jimmy Fallon, all of whom have gone on to host even bigger late night talk shows.
The former Weekend Update anchor has been very active in the last few weeks in unveiling what viewers can expect from Late Night with Seth Meyers. First, producer and longtime contributor to Saturday Night Live Mike Shoemaker Instagramed a picture of the new Late Night writing staff, which includes notable names such as Alex Baze, head writer of Weekend Update, John Lutz, known for his work on 30 Rock, and Seth Reiss, head writer for The Onion.
The announcement of the writing staff alone is enough to excite comedy nerds everywhere, but Meyers took it a step further and broadcasted via Twitter that former SNL co-star Fred Armisen would lead the 8G band, a move that’ll be sure to add a certain, necessary level of silliness to contrast Meyers’ notable “straight man” charm.
Still, the most enticing announcement for the new Late Night is the premiere week guest list. Kicking off the first show is former Weekend Update co-anchor and American national treasure, Amy Poehler, along with Vice President Joe Biden and musical guest A Great Big World. Guests for the rest of the week include Kanye West, Kelly Ripa, Lena Dunham, and John Mayer.
Meyers, who joined Saturday Night Live in 2001, learned his comedic chops at ImprovOlympic in Chicago. He became head writer of SNL in 2006 when Tina Fey left the show to create and star in her sitcom 30 Rock, and held down the Weekend Update desk for seven years. While most comedy fans will be disappointed to lose him as a guaranteed laugh on Saturday nights, Late Night with Seth Meyers is shaping up to be a promising replacement. You can catch Meyers on Late Night weeknights starting Feb. 24 at 12:35 am on NBC.
