The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Season 5
Season five of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon comprises ten episodes that continue the series’ ongoing comedic and musical format. The season is presented by Jimmy Fallon, who assumed the hosting duties after Jay Leno’s second retirement from the program. Fallon is supported by sidekick and announcer Steve Higgins, whose role provides commentary and transitions throughout each episode. The house band, The Roo
Season 5 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Jimmy Fallon became host of The Tonight Show after Jay Leno’s second retirement.
- Steve Higgins serves as the show’s sidekick and announcer, providing on‑air support.
- The Roots function as the house band, delivering live music for sketches and performances.
- The series is produced by Katie Hockmeyer and executive‑produced by Lorne Michaels.
Season overview
Season five of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon comprises ten episodes that continue the series’ ongoing comedic and musical format. The season is presented by Jimmy Fallon, who assumed the hosting duties after Jay Leno’s second retirement from the program. Fallon is supported by sidekick and announcer Steve Higgins, whose role provides commentary and transitions throughout each episode. The house band, The Roots, supplies live musical accompaniment, underscoring the show’s blend of comedy, interviews, and performances. Production responsibilities for the season are overseen by Katie Hockmeyer, while Lorne Michaels serves as executive producer, maintaining the series’ established creative direction. As with earlier installments, the season maintains a TV‑14 rating and adheres to the comedy‑talk genre, delivering a mix of sketches, celebrity guests, and musical segments. The ten‑episode arc does not introduce a distinct narrative storyline but rather extends the established format, offering viewers a continuation of the late‑night entertainment experience that began with Fallon’s takeover of the iconic Tonight Show franchise.
Episode Guide
Season 5 Progress Shield
Tyler Perry, Lea Michele, Jhené Aiko feat. Big Sean
Oct 9, 2017
Tyler Perry (Boo 2! A Madea Halloween), book "Higher Is Waiting"); Lea Michele (The Mayor). Also: Jhené Aiko performs with Big Sean and The Roots.
Alec Baldwin/The Boys from Stranger Things/Josè Altuve/Elbow
Nov 2, 2017
Alec Baldwin/The Boys from Stranger Things/Josè Altuve/Elbow
Jeff Daniels, Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift
Nov 13, 2017
Jeff Daniels (Godless (2017)); Mary J. Blige (Mudbound (2017)). Also: Taylor Swift performs.
Jim Parsons/Marlon Wayans/Alex Ovechkin & Braden Holtby/The Smashing Pumpkins
Jun 11, 2018
Jim Parsons (Broadway play "The Boys in the Band", A Kid Like Jake (2018)); Marlon Wayans (Marlon (2017)); Alexander Ovechkin and Braden Holtby of the Stanley Cup champion Washingt
Whoopi Goldberg, David Hogg & Lauren Hogg, Mike Shinoda
Jun 19, 2018
Whoopi Goldberg (Nobody's Fool (2018), The View (1997)); activists David Hogg and Lauren Hogg (book "Never Again: A New Generation Draws the Line"). Also: Mike Shinoda performs.
Fallonventions, Rose Byrne, Brad Paisley
Aug 9, 2018
Rose Byrne chats with Jimmy about her nine-month-old baby's gangster demeanor and strong thighs and the surprise 39th birthday party that sent her into shock.