News Summary
Jimmy Fallon’s late-night talk show, The Tonight Show, made its first-ever recording in Detroit at the Detroit Opera House. The special taping featured local culture, guest appearances, and references to iconic Detroit foods. Highlighted by a performance from Motown legend Martha Reeves and co-starring Detroit sports figures, the audience enjoyed a celebratory evening filled with laughter and music. The show, sponsored by Ford, features special segments that immersed Fallon in Detroit’s rich heritage while resonating with the enthusiastic local fans.
Detroit – Jimmy Fallon’s popular late-night talk show, The Tonight Show, made history with its first-ever taping in Detroit at the Detroit Opera House. The event, held in front of an enthusiastic audience, featured a host of local references, guest appearances, and was packed with the city’s signature culture.
During the special taping, fans greeted Fallon with excitement, chanting the name of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Fallon embraced the local flavor by referencing beloved regional foods, including Vernors pop and coney dogs, as well as touching on the famous dish “Mom’s Spaghetti,” associated with local rap icon Eminem.
Motown culture was an integral part of the evening, with Fallon’s show showcasing the talents of Detroit Pistons’ dancers and a special appearance by Motown legend Martha Reeves. The event also saw the participation of Detroit Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who presented Fallon with an honorary game ball following the Lions’ recent victory over the Chicago Bears.
This landmark show was sponsored by Ford and included pre-taped segments where Fallon drove through the city in a Ford F-150 alongside CEO Jim Farley. The taping kicked off with a segment inspired by the movie 8 Mile, setting a lively tone for the night.
Fallon’s house band, The Roots, performed in themed costumes, while Fallon humorously connected with the audience by joking that “Detroit” is a French term that means “suck it, Chicago.” Incorporating local anecdotes and a comedic song, Fallon’s monologue was a celebration of both Detroit’s sports and cultural identities.
In a spirited segment featuring Detroit celebrity guest Keegan-Michael Key, Fallon engaged in playful activities, including challenges to pronounce local street names. Key shared his enthusiasm for the Lions, inviting Fallon to return for future games. Together, they also participated in a Lip Sync Battle, showcasing a mix of classic Motown songs and contemporary hits.
Additional guests included Pistons star Cade Cunningham, who shared his experiences in Detroit and gifted Fallon a stylish pair of Cartier glasses. The duo created a lively atmosphere by launching T-shirts into the crowd using a cannon, alongside the Pistons’ dance squad, further energizing the audience.
Renowned rapper Common paid tribute to the late hip-hop producer J Dilla through a performance accompanied by singer Bilal, fluidly merging music and arts in a homage that resonated with Detroit’s rich musical heritage. The evening finished with Hutchinson sharing a heartfelt moment with Fallon, concluding the taping with a bear hug.
Tickets for this one-of-a-kind live taping were distributed through an online lottery, generating significant buzz and excitement, resulting in long lines outside the venue. The taping took place from approximately 5 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. and is scheduled to air at 11:30 p.m. on Monday, with streaming available on Peacock the following day.
This special event marks the first late-night network show to be recorded in Detroit since Jimmy Kimmel’s appearance in 2006, just prior to Super Bowl XL, emphasizing the show’s significance in the local cultural landscape. Audience members expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to experience the energy of The Tonight Show in their city, especially following a triumphant Lions game.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Detroit Free Press
- MLive
- Deadline Detroit
- NBC Insider
- Wikipedia: Jimmy Fallon
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Tonight Show
- Google Search: Jimmy Fallon Detroit Episode
- Google News: Jimmy Fallon Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
