Top 10 Times Talk Show Hosts Said What We Were All Thinking

Anyone who loves musical theater will tell you the late Stephen Sondheim was one of the art form’s greatest minds. Here, Stephen Colbert welcomes the composer/lyricist to talk about his career and a book about “Sunday in the Park with George.” Colbert also pays tribute to Sondheim by reading the blurb he wrote. His words highlight Sondheim’s ability to celebrate creativity itself, along with how the artist’s work personally inspired him. It’s lovely to watch the guest so touched by the message. Not only does Colbert provide a fantastic description, but his words allow him to articulate what so many fans wish they could’ve told the legend personally.

It’s not every day that you get to ask a former president questions. Jimmy Kimmel takes full advantage of the situation, questioning George W. Bush on the government’s potential alien documents. It’s a topic that Kimmel looks especially excited to ask about. While Bush doesn’t give a straight answer, he does mention how his daughters wanted to know the same thing. We can’t blame the host for being curious about any secret files regarding extraterrestrials. Of course, it’s only expected that the politician would dodge the answer. But it leads to a humorous exchange nonetheless. Plus, we were all wondering!

With filmmaker Harmony Korine joining David Letterman, the “Late Show” heads into absurd territory. It doesn’t take long for Korine to reveal his more free-spirited and laid back style. As the interview begins to defy explanation, Letterman tries to get it back on track with a question about Korine’s new project. The latter’s response prompts the host to come back with a hilarious joke about the entire segment. Both truthful and hilarious, the comments feel like the only way anyone can make sense of this appearance. That doesn’t mean that we don’t also love watching the chaos unfold, though.

During a tense interview on “The Dick Cavett Show,” Governor Lester Maddox talks with Jim Brown and the host about race. Brown asks if Maddox’s supposedly inclusive views have angered any “white bigots,” while Cavett calls those same people the politician’s “admirers.” This key change in vocabulary causes Maddox to ask for an apology. Unwilling to change his stance, the presenter offers up a clever comeback. This infuriates the Southern politician to no end as he threatens to leave. Not only is it great to watch the infamous man squirm, it’s fun to see him walk off after Cavett basically doubles down. The latter finds the best way possible to tell off a segregationist.

After being caught with a sex worker, Hugh Grant found himself in a major scandal. His appearance on “The Tonight Show” afterwards comes with a healthy dose of shame and humor at his own expense. Jay Leno doesn’t waste much time stating the obvious either, offering up a question that sets the tone for the interview. The host finds a way to cut to the chase and deal directly with the problem. It arguably rips the Band-Aid off, forcing Grant to address the issue right away. Leno’s choices here ultimately lead to the guest offering up one of his more endearing moments. By tackling the topic with humor and honesty, the comedian helps to mend the British actor’s career.

He’s best known for his upbeat show, but Jimmy Fallon can also speak out about serious events. The host discusses the racist and hateful tragedy that came out of Charlottesville, Virginia. He criticizes then-President Trump’s response time, while also focusing on the importance of people not ignoring the issue. Fallon’s speech delivers the kind of sensible and forward-thinking message that people need to hear. In the face of hatred, we must all stand up to fight back for what’s good and right. He ends the poignant monologue with a unifying message to be aware, principled, civil, kind, and not move backwards.

Following the tragedy in Las Vegas, Conan O’Brien opened his show with a serious statement. With a graceful and articulate delivery, O’Brien discusses how many times he’s had to make these kinds of addresses. He also specifically asks how this kind of violence could happen in a civilized society. It’s the kind of statement that hits home for Americans who have lived through a plethora of awful events. The host doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a comedian, but he does relate another common opinion that these attacks must stop. His ability to boil these feelings down into a relatable monologue hits home.

In 2017, Jimmy Kimmel recounted his son Billy’s birth and subsequent heart problems. It’s a stirring story that inspires the host to discuss American healthcare. He speaks out on behalf of people that struggle to pay for their children’s needs, sharing a universal statement about everyone deserving care no matter how much they make. That’s something everybody can agree with, regardless of their beliefs. Kimmel’s brave stance here dismantles the cracks in the US healthcare system, but also presents a hopeful idea about how it could be better. Importantly, the segment drew national attention and supportive responses from public figures after it first aired.

Even with one of the silliest shows in late night, Craig Ferguson still managed to offer up important insights. These include his opening monologue about the Boston marathon bombings. In response to the violent attack, Ferguson asks a simple and profound question. He doesn’t need to use comedy to make an important point about society. Summing up the thoughts of many, he emphasizes being done with such senseless acts of violence. It’s unfortunate that this question continues to be relevant all these years later. Thankfully, by being honest about the situation, the presenter doesn’t sugarcoat his feelings about the event or how to talk about it.

For many years, Jon Stewart promoted legislation that gave 9/11 first responders and survivors much-needed medical funding. This speech encapsulates years of heartbreak as Congress repeatedly failed to protect this plan. Stewart embarks on an incredible monologue calling out DC for their mistakes, holding back tears as he talks about the victims’ personal stories. It’s hard not to agree with the comedian as he asks why heroes can’t get adequate help. By the end of his remarks, “The Daily Show” host has put everything into a succinct package. He wants US politicians to do their jobs just like the brave people that did theirs on September 11th, 2001. Speaking out for extraordinary individuals, Stewart criticizes the political gridlock that causes citizens pain.

Did we forget another time a talk show host said what we were all thinking? Let us know in the comments below.