Late-night talk shows have been a source of satire, celebrity news and a good laugh for Americans since The Tonight Show debut in the 50s with Steve Allen in the host’s chair. Now, there’s no shortage of these hilarious, timely programs to keep you entertained all night. This list of the top 10 best late-night shows to watch on TV right now will keep you laughing into the waning hours.
Keep an eye on this list as it is updated with the latest and greatest late-night shows, so you can be sure you’re in the loop. From The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonto After Midnight, this list will help fans of late-night TV stay up to date on the most popular late-night shows available.
Watch Guide Methodology: Using proprietary viewership data, DIRECTV Insider curates lists of the most popular TV shows and movies being watched by real people, in real time, to help you pick the best trending content to watch across networks. Our rolling data collection also allows readers to see how a trending show’s ranking has changed week over week.
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TOP 10 LATE-NIGHT SHOWS TO WATCH
Here are the trending late-night shows that TV-watchers are enjoying right now, with all the information you need to check them out for yourself.
1. ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’
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Step into the high-energy and unpredictable world of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Known for his boundless enthusiasm and versatile talents, Fallon brings laughter, music, and creativity to late-night television. Whether it’s a hilarious monologue, celebrity interviews, or innovative games like “Lip Sync Battle” and “Box of Lies,” this show keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. Fallon’s knack for creating viral moments and his ability to connect with guests make every episode feel like an unforgettable event.
2. ‘The Late Show with Stephen Colbert’
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Dive into the sharp, satirical universe of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Colbert combines incisive humor with deep insight, tackling political headlines, cultural events, and human-interest stories with intelligence and wit. From thought-provoking interviews with world leaders and celebrities to his signature monologues that dissect the news of the day, Colbert offers viewers a comedic yet meaningful perspective on current events. His ability to entertain while challenging audiences to think critically sets this show apart.
3. ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
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Get ready for an entertaining blend of humor and heart on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Host Jimmy Kimmel combines his relatable personality with sharp wit, delivering engaging monologues, candid celebrity interviews, and unforgettable comedy sketches. Known for segments like “Mean Tweets” and his hilarious holiday pranks, Kimmel keeps the laughs coming while occasionally showcasing touching moments with real-world heroes. It’s a show that feels like hanging out with your funniest friend.
4. ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’
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Experience the perfect mix of humor and intellect on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Meyers dives into current events with humor and clarity, breaking down complex topics for his audience. Celebrity interviews are casual and engaging, often filled with laughter and surprises. Meyers’ charm and quick wit make this show a nightly staple for those looking to stay informed while enjoying a good laugh.
5. ‘The Daily Show’
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Step into the satirical world of The Daily Show, where humor meets hard-hitting commentary. Hosted by John Stewart, the show offers a comedic take on daily news and current events, blending sharp monologues with field pieces and interviews. Stewart’s global perspective and quick wit make the show not just funny but also incredibly insightful. It’s a nightly reminder that even in a chaotic world, laughter is always an option.
6. ‘Real Time with Bill Maher’
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Enter the bold and unfiltered world of Real Time with Bill Maher, a show where politics and culture are explored through intelligent discussion and biting humor. Maher tackles controversial topics head-on, offering sharp commentary and inviting diverse perspectives from his panel of guests. From heated debates to hilarious monologues, this show challenges viewers to think critically while enjoying a dose of humor.
7. ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’
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Explore the in-depth comedic reporting of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Known for his meticulously researched monologues, Oliver dives deep into societal issues, shedding light on topics often overlooked by traditional news outlets. His sharp humor and passionate delivery make even the most complex subjects engaging and relatable. With a perfect blend of education and entertainment, this show offers a unique late-night experience.
8. ‘The Graham Norton Show’
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The Graham Norton Show features A-list celebrities having candid conversations, sharing amusing anecdotes and engaging in playful games. Norton’s charisma and knack for creating a relaxed environment result in hilarious and heartfelt interactions that make every episode a joy to watch.
9. ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’
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Step into the glamorous and unapologetically candid world of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Bravo’s interactive late-night talk show where pop culture, reality TV and celebrity gossip take center stage. Hosted by Andy Cohen, the show features an array of celebrity guests and live viewer interactions. From juicy revelations to outrageous games like “Plead the Fifth,” Cohen creates a lively atmosphere that’s as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Perfect for night owls and pop culture enthusiasts, every episode is a must-watch for fans of the Bravo universe.
10. ‘After Midnight’
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Dive into the spirited fun of After Midnight, a late-night comedy game show hosted by Taylor Tomlinson that brings together comedians for hilarious discussions on trending topics, viral moments and internet absurdities. The show thrives on quick wit and unfiltered humor as panelists compete to craft the funniest takes on the day’s most buzzworthy content. With Tomlinson’s sharp comedic style steering the chaos, After Midnight is a fast-paced and laugh-out-loud addition to late-night television that’s perfect for anyone who loves pop culture and comedy.
And there you have it: the top 10 late night shows to stream at home. Stay tuned for updates to come, so you can keep up with the best content available right now.
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And for even more insight into the top shows and movies to watch right now, check out these other lists:
- Top 20 Movies to Stream Right Now
- 20 Most Binge-Worthy TV Shows to Watch Right Now
- 10 Best Limited Series to Watch
- The 10 Most Popular Holiday Movies on TV This Week
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the most popular late night hosts?
Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, John Stewart and Jimmy Kimmel are some of the most well-known late n
Who are some of the most well-known late-night hosts?
Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and John Oliver are some of the most popular late night hosts.
What was the first-ever late-night show?
The Tonight Show was the first late-night show, having first aired in the 1950s.
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