The host of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Rabbit Hole sat down to share the shows that helped define him.
The show that first caught my interest as a child: Sesame Street
Photo courtesy of Sesame Workshop
I was almost exactly 2 years old when Sesame Street premiered on channel 13 in New York. The memories I have of Big Bird, Grover, Snuffleupagus, Maria, Bob, Mr. Hooper, Gordon and Luis are more vivid than the memories of my real-life neighbors. Many of the songs and videos are still bouncing around in my head —“Rubber Duckie, you’re the one!” Ernie was such a dick to Bert, and I loved that. I still get a warm feeling when I see the show.
I also loved The Electric Company and New Zoo Revue, but Sesame Street is probably the best and most important television show ever.
The show that was formative for me as a teen: Late Night With David Letterman
I learned the alphabet from Sesame Street, but I learned everything else from Letterman. I felt like they were making the show specifically for me. I still remember the name of every writer and can recite almost every bit. On the day I turned 16, I blew out candles on a Late Night birthday cake. I had “L8NITE” vanity plates on my first car. Things that shouldn’t have been funny were. There was audience fish-cleaning night. Some guests, Dave tormented. Some tormented him. I stayed up late to watch it. I was late to school almost every day, but I had to stay up. Anything could happen. Dave had a bad neck!
I saw Dave in person for the first time in 1984. My Uncle Vinny got tickets to the show and drove us into the city. It cost $19 to park. Dave wore a light blue suit that night. His guests were Gilda Radner and Jay Leno. After the show, I went to the gift shop and spent all my money on Late Night hats and sweatshirts. If it wasn’t for Dave, I would still be renting.
The show I consider way ahead of its time: Lost
Photo credit: ABC
How is it possible that this show aired in primetime on ABC? Probably the greatest first episode of a drama ever. (I’d cast my vote for the first episode of Cheers in the comedy category.) This show grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go. I fantasize about having the time to experience it all again.
The shows that are must-watch weekly viewing for me: Severance, The Studio, The Bear
I try to watch as many of my guests’ movies and shows as I can, which doesn’t leave much time for pleasure viewing, but I wouldn’t miss an episode of those. We watch Abbott Elementary with the kids. I love What We Do in the Shadows, Only Murders, The White Lotus and probably 10 others I will kick myself later for forgetting.
The show I’d love to see brought back for one more season: Patriot
It’s a show made by Steve Conrad that ran for two seasons on Prime Video, starting in 2015. I grab people by the neck and demand that they watch this show. How it didn’t get a bigger audience is something I won’t ever understand. The idea that something this great can go overlooked is disheartening. Everything about the show is excellent.
Conrad’s follow-up show, Perpetual Grace, was quietly excellent, too. I can’t wait for his new show with Jason Bateman, DTF St. Louis. I hope Teen Wolf the second will draw Steve the attention he deserves. I also wouldn’t mind another season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
The last show I watched: The Rehearsal
Nathan Fielder is one of my favorites. For whatever reason, I’m very comfortable with discomfort, and Nathan really knows how to twist that screw.
The show I love that may be surprising: Any show hosted by Steve Harvey
It doesn’t matter what it is — if Steve Harvey is hosting, I will watch it, and I mean that sincerely.
The show I’m embarrassed to say I’ve never seen: The Wire
I know. Leave me alone.
