Late night TV took a somber, yet comically sharp turn after Donald Trump’s surprising victory in the 2024 election.
While the humor was still front and center, the underlying mood was one of disbelief, with hosts grappling with the weight of the results.
Stephen Colbert’s Raw Reaction on The Late Show
Stephen Colbert kicked off his monologue with a brutally honest reflection on the election results, admitting, “If you watch this show regularly, I’m guessing you’re not doing great. Me neither.”
His direct-to-camera delivery gave a sense of vulnerability as he acknowledged the loss felt by many of his liberal-leaning viewers.
Colbert’s monologue was filled with biting commentary, as he humorously described Trump’s campaign as one “fueled by a desperate need to not go to jail.”
He made no effort to hide his frustration, even taking jabs at Trump’s political rise and calling him “a monstrous child surrounded by cowards and grifters.”
Using his signature blend of comedy and pointed social commentary, Colbert mocked the reality of Trump’s second term, humorously noting that “Cleveland was the leader of something called the Bourbon Democrats” while referencing a drink in hand.
He ended with a moment of levity, urging the audience to let Jimmy Carter know that Kamala Harris had won.
Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘Worst Taco Tuesday’ Moment
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, the host had a particularly raw take, beginning with a skit in which he joked about leaving the country, saying he couldn’t bear another four years of Trump.
“It was the worst taco Tuesday of my entire life,” Kimmel quipped, mixing humor with a palpable sense of disappointment.
His jokes about Trump echoed a familiar sentiment: “He’s like the emperor from Star Wars—old, evil, and keeps coming back with no explanation.”
Kimmel didn’t shy away from taking shots at Trump and the state of the nation, admitting, “It was a terrible night for everyone who voted against him and a terrible night for everyone who voted for him—you just don’t realize it yet.”
He then interviewed the Pod Save America hosts to continue the dissection of the election results, sharing in the collective disappointment.
Jimmy Fallon’s Unexpected Humor Amid Disappointment
Jimmy Fallon, who is often seen as the least political of the late-night hosts, joined in the commentary with a mix of humor and dismay.
He began by riffing on the idea that “America got back together with its crazy ex,” alluding to Trump’s election as if it were a misguided rekindled relationship.
Fallon also poked fun at the logistical issues Trump would face if he were to return to the White House, like moving classified documents back in.
His monologue was less harsh but still filled with a sharp wit as he joked about Trump’s age and weight.
Fallon also brought on Whoopi Goldberg from The View to discuss the election, where she delivered a more optimistic message about resilience and protests.
The duet they performed of “Tomorrow” from Annie provided a rare, light moment in an otherwise tense night.
Seth Meyers’ Extended Rant on ‘A Closer Look’
Seth Meyers took the opportunity to delve deep into the election results, offering a 16-minute monologue filled with political analysis and dark humor.
He started by admitting that “something in my brain broke a lot last night,” setting the tone for his usual blend of sarcasm and sharp critique.
Meyers also reflected on the troubling reality of Trump’s return to power, likening his political resurgence to “a janitor complaining about an explosion of diarrhea.”
He didn’t hold back, mocking Trump’s exhaustion with the victory and referencing potential new cabinet members like Elon Musk and RFK Jr.
Meyers also sharply critiqued voters in swing states for voting against abortion rights while supporting Trump, further underscoring the deep divides in the country.
Still, he ended on a hopeful note, reminding his audience that “the fight for justice doesn’t end with one election.”
Other Late Night Reactions: Humor Amidst Disillusionment
Over on Comedy Central, Taylor Tomlinson humorously riffed on the idea of America’s return to Trump, calling it “the greatest political comeback in history” after he managed to win crucial Midwestern states.
Tomlinson sarcastically wished for a return to simpler times when Joe Rogan “was just helping people decide if they were gonna eat bugs for money.”
Meanwhile, Desi Lydic of The Daily Show voiced her outrage, calling Trump’s victory “a waking nightmare” and remarking, “America has elected its first criminal president before electing its first female president.”
Her frustration was palpable as she critiqued both the media’s handling of the loss and the American electorate’s seeming fondness for Trump.
Kamala Harris Concedes in a Heartfelt Speech
In the midst of the late-night humor, Kamala Harris officially conceded the election to Donald Trump in a speech that resonated deeply with her supporters.
She acknowledged the pain of the loss, saying, “This is not what we wanted, not what we fought for,” but reminded the crowd that the fight for progress would continue.
Harris’s graceful acknowledgment of the situation was a stark contrast to the often biting late-night commentary.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
With Trump’s victory, the question now becomes: what’s next?
The nation’s political landscape seems even more divided, but late-night hosts have proven that humor, even in times of disillusionment, remains an important outlet.
As America braces for another four years of Trump, it’s clear that the road ahead will be as unpredictable as it is contentious.
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