Predicting Late-Night TV Guests: Who Will Steal the Spotlight?

Late-night television has always thrived on booking the biggest names in entertainment, politics, and pop culture. As we head into 2024, speculation is running high over which major stars and influential figures will make appearances on shows like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. With a contentious presidential election looming, the comedy hosts will likely be angling to book the top candidates and their high-profile surrogates. But A-list celebrities, chart-topping musicians, and viral internet sensations are sure to also commandeer plenty of coveted couch time.

Let’s take a look at who might steal the late-night spotlight in the coming year.

Colbert’s Cerebral Guests

Stephen Colbert has developed a reputation for landing intellectually stimulating guests like authors, scientists, historians and political thinkers. Given the lead-up to the 2024 election, we can expect Colbert to continue sitting down with political movers and shakers. Some potentials include:

• Donald Trump: The controversial former president will surely make the media rounds to promote his candidacy and attack opponents. Colbert’s quick wit would put Trump on the hot seat.
• Kamala Harris: As the Democratic nominee, Vice President Harris could share insights from the campaign trail and challenge Trump’s rhetoric. Her appearance would attract a large audience.
• Barack Obama: America’s popular former president could use Colbert’s platform to sway voters and endorse Harris. His charisma and humor would also make for entertaining TV.
• Hillary Clinton: Providing perspective as the former Democratic nominee, Clinton could break down the race and criticize the direction Trump has taken the Republican Party.
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: The progressive representative from New York would appeal to Colbert’s left-leaning viewers. Her bold stances and fiery exchanges with Republicans regularly go viral.

Fallon’s Parade of Pop Stars

Jimmy Fallon has built a fun, music-centric show, with performances and sketches showcasing today’s hottest artists. He’s also known for lighthearted games and segments that allow musicians’ personalities to shine. We can predict appearances from:

• Beyoncé: She’d cause a major ratings sensation while promoting her next album. Fallon could coax out her playful side in comedy bits.
• Billie Eilish: The Gen Z superstar could participate in universally beloved games like “Wheel of Musical Impressions.”
• Bad Bunny: This Latin trap king would bring salsa moves and high energy to The Tonight Show’s party atmosphere.
• Harry Styles: His heartthrob status, musical talent and acting chops check all the boxes for an entertaining guest spot.
• Taylor Swift: She and Fallon have a rapport after years of visits. Swift could join for more “Ew!” sketches or showcase stripped-down song arrangements.

Late-Night as Laughing Stock

Comedians are fixtures on late-night couches, with hosts giving them time to riff on pressing topics and perform stand-up sets. In 2024/25, we may see:

• Dave Chappelle: Despite controversy, Chappelle remains comedy royalty. He could use Colbert or Fallon’s platform to sound off on cancel culture or deliver his signature social commentary.
• Ali Wong: Her raunchy relationship humor perfectly matches late-night’s loose format. Wong could share hilarious family anecdotes with Fallon or take on Trump with Colbert.
• Hasan Minhaj: As a top political comedian, Minhaj is appropriate for late-night’s election coverage. Perhaps Colbert will host another of his Peabody Award-winning “Patriot Act” explainers.
• John Mulaney: Lauded for his quick, observational wit, Mulaney is overdue for a Tonight Show stand-up set.
• Samantha Bee: The late-night veteran and Full Frontal host is always candid and quippy. An appearance from her would bring laughs and vital female perspective.

Wildcard Viral Visitors

Part of late-night’s magic lies in discovering and elevating new talents. Shows have previously catapulted social media and YouTube stars to fame through buzzy interviews. For their next viral guests, hosts may book:

• MrBeast: The Gen Z philanthropist boasts one of the largest YouTube followings ever. Getting him on Colbert or Fallon could introduce him to wider audiences.
• Charli and Dixie D’Amelio: These popular TikTok sisters have massive young fanbases who could tune in to see their idols chat and goof off with Jimmy Fallon.
• JoJo Siwa: Fallon has a knack for highlighting internet celebs in amusing games and segments tailored to their talents. The bubbly Siwa’s enthusiasm would play well.
• Khaby Lame: As TikTok’s most-followed creator, this comic reactor to life hacks has influenced global meme culture. His wordless charm would break language barriers.
• Viola Davis: The acclaimed actress caused a viral moment by simply requesting to be called the “GOAT.” Her self-affirmations could inspire viewers.

Late-night TV always offers unpredictability, last-minute bookings, and plenty of buzzworthy moments. But if Colbert and Fallon succeed in wrangling even a handful of the above names, their 2024/25 guest lineups are sure to entice audiences and generate headlines across the media landscape. Tune in each night for can’t-miss interviews, performances, comedy and insights from the biggest stars of the day!