For those who can’t sleep at night or simply love the night owl lifestyle, late night talk shows are a great way to entertain into the wee hours of the morning. In this day and age, it’s not uncommon for people to record these shows to watch at a time that’s more convenient, too. Plus, clips are abundantly available to watch online of everything from monologues to funny guest interview moments.
Through the decades, there have been some fantastic late-night hosts who have focused on humor above all else. Sure, they all get serious from time to time. But the best of the best late night TV series hosts will leave viewers laughing through every episode.
10
Chelsea Handler
‘Chelsea Lately’ (2007-2014)
E!
Chelsea Handler isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and she knows it. But she carved a space in the late-night show circuit for seven years as the only female late night host heading up her own show. Her self-deprecating humor and her no-holds-barred conversation style allow her to speak freely and joke about topics others might be afraid to tackle.
Her guests always seem to have a good time, as though they’re chatting with an old friend. The panel discussions that were part of Chelsea Lately also brought tons of laughs, thanks in part to her talented guests, but also her carefree style that always put the laughs front and center.
9
Craig Ferguson
‘The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson’ (2005-2014)
CBS
Craig Ferguson has a joke delivery style that is unmatched. He could improvise at the drop of a hat on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson and excelled in absurdist humor. He didn’t always follow the rules, sometimes even ripping up the talking points he was given, choosing to have conversations that flowed more naturally with his guests, giving them a more genuine feel.
“Ferguson wasn’t afraid to be oddball in his approach…”
The show was filled with running gags, unpredictability, and downright silly moments. Ferguson wasn’t afraid to be oddball in his approach, and his monologues weren’t just funny, they showed his personality, too.
8
Jimmy Kimmel
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ (2003-)
ABC
When it comes to Jimmy Kimmel, because he has been so political of late, people fall on one of two sides of the spectrum: they find him bitingly funny, or as unfunny as they come. But the truth is that the long-time late-night talk show host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been responsible for some of the most viral comedy sketches in late-night TV history and some of the funniest late night talk show moments. From The Handsome Men’s Club to “I’m F**king Ben Affleck,” his hilarious response video to then-girlfriend Sarah Silverman’s “I’m F**king Matt Damon” video, his shows have brought many laughs to households.
Beyond that, however, he thinks quickly on his feet, delivering off-the-cuff jokes in monologues and interviews with guests. Sure, some of these might be rehearsed, as they are with every late-night talk show host that has a talented team of writers. But love him or hate him, Kimmel’s delivery is always spot-on.
7
Joan Rivers
‘The Tonight Show’ (guest host), ‘The Late Show with Joan Rivers’ (1986-1988)
Fox Network
The late Joan Rivers guest hosted The Tonight Show so many times, everyone thought it was a given that she would take over. Why? She hit it out of the park every time. The fact that she was passed over for the role is something the comedian was never afraid to talk about. She went on to become the first female late night talk show host with The Late Show with Joan Rivers, one of the most forgotten late night talk shows.
“…Rivers was a delight to watch on screen.”
Known for her brash style and clever jokes, Rivers was a delight to watch on screen. Her lack of filter meant her jokes hit hard at times, but there was no denying she was downright hilarious. From the delivery in her signature thick New York accent to her talented writing, Rivers is one of the more underrated late night hosts.
6
Jon Stewart
‘The Daily Show’ (1999-2015), ‘The Problem with Jon Stewart’ (2021-2023)
Comedy Central
A heavy political voice, Jon Stewart was the longest-running host of The Daily Show where he discussed his political views, but with a funny spin. Even when he interviewed guests, he used humor to make light of serious topics while also expressing his strong opinions.
Known for using self-referential humor, Stewart is a master at political satire, with a delivery that sells every word, even to those who might not agree with his stances. He’s playful and unafraid to call people out, serving up receipts in the form of montages and clips. It’s impossible to watch one of his shows without laughing heartily.
5
Stephen Colbert
‘The Colbert Report’ (2005-2014), ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’ (2015-)
CBS
Stephen Colbert is a self-professed nerd who knows just about everything there is to know about The Lord of the Rings, and is happy to challenge anyone on that. He offered a perfect balance of political commentary and silly humor on The Colbert Report and now The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He’s a master at wordplay and playing characters, having developed a complete persona when he was on The Colbert Report.
While he’s vulnerable and eccentric in his delivery, he also manages to squeeze in meaningful commentary, making his comedy about more than silly dances and ridiculous games. Colbert, one of the best modern late night TV hosts, has a knack for speaking off the cuff and making virtually any topic that comes his way humorous, no rehearsal needed.
4
John Oliver
‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ (2014-)
HBO
It’s impossible to watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, one of the best talk shows of all time, and not burst out into laughter. It’s not just John Oliver’s content, but his style of delivery that makes him so funny. He passionately shouts his belief at the things he’s talking about, even laughing as he says them. A pro at observational comedy, he got his start in stand-up comedy and it shows.
He delivers jokes with brilliant sarcasm, and while he often talks about heavy political topics and real issues, sometimes, he loves to rant about ridiculous things, too. One of his most recent tirades about the show Doctor Odyssey and ABC’s delay in renewing it (the series has since been officially cancelled) will have fans in stitches hearing him refer to the show as “Dr. Hot Boat” and delivering commentary about the silly plot. It’s a testament to his hilarity. He can talk about just about anything and make it funny.
3
David Letterman
‘Late Night with David Letterman’ (1982-2015)
NBC
David Letterman doesn’t exactly scream outright silly humor on Late Night with David Letterman. But even with his more subdued and serious style, he manages to be incredibly funny. His delivery is always on point, his replies in every interview on the nose, as though he has a Rolodex of jokes turning round and round in his head at all times. He’s quick, perceptive, and knows how to be funny without being obnoxious.
His deadpan style simply works, leading to plenty of viral talk show moments long before “going viral” was even a thing. He isn’t afraid to poke fun at himself and his snarky nature adds to his appeal. The best part about how Letterman approaches humor is that he comes across as someone who isn’t desperate for the laughs, but just naturally gets them.
2
Conan O’Brien
‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien’ (1993-2009), ‘The Tonight Show’ (2009-2010), ‘Conan’ (2010-2021)
Image via TBS
Conan O’Brien got his start as a comedy writer, and it shows. While anyone with an effervescent, infectious personality can deliver good jokes, it takes someone who can write them to be able to really dive into the material. O’Brien did that with vigor on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and on his other talk shows. So, it’s no surprise he was a favorite among late-night viewers who stuck with him even after he lost The Tonight Show after only a single season.
His silly skits, fun interactions with audience members, physical humor, and awkward nature are endearing, making him one of the funniest hosts ever to grace the late night show space.
1
Johnny Carson
‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’ (1962-1992)
NBC
What makes Johnny Carson, the best-known and longest-running The Tonight Show host, so funny is that so many report that he was anything but, actually rather quiet, when the cameras weren’t rolling. But when they were, he fully commanded the stage, delivering witty, thoughtful, timely jokes, participating in fun sketches, and making every guest feel like they were at home, just talking with a friend.
Relaxed and conversational was his style, combined with self-deprecating humor. He never missed an opportunity to toss in a funny remark, with subtle rather than in-your-face humor characterizing his hosting style. But it worked thanks to his sharp wit and ability to deliver rapid-fire one-liners like no one else.