Since their inception in the mid-1950s, talk shows have become an essential part of American culture, delivering unpredictable and entertaining moments. Let’s revisit some of the most awkward and memorable talk show occurrences that no one saw coming.
One of the longest-running feuds in talk show history is between Jimmy Kimmel and Matt Damon. What began as a recurring joke about bumping Damon turned into an elaborate and ongoing rivalry, highlighted by Damon hijacking Kimmel’s show. Similarly, Madonna’s profanity-laden appearance on David Letterman’s Late Show left audiences bewildered by the intensity and unpredictability of their exchange.
In a more light-hearted moment, Ariana Grande’s visit to Starbucks with James Corden during Carpool Karaoke saw Corden carrying Grande on his back, to the astonishment of onlookers. On the romantic front, Nicole Kidman revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that she once thought she was on a date with Fallon, leaving him both shocked and embarrassed during the live interview.
These moments, among many others, illustrate the unique charm and spontaneous entertainment value that late-night talk shows continue to offer, keeping audiences glued to their screens.