Busy Philipps Is Getting Her Own Late-Night Talk Show, and It’s a Big Deal
The late-night talk show landscape is about to add another host to the mix—and, surprise, it’s not a man named Jimmy.
According to a press release from E!, actress Busy Philipps is developing an “innovative” late-night talk show for the network. Busy Tonight, the show’s working title, will feature comedic commentary, interviews, and segments that “go behind her most popular Instagram stories.” Philipps will also serve as an executive producer.
You’re probably at least somewhat familiar with Philipps, given how many points of entry there are to know her. You may have seen her acting work on Freaks & Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, Cougartown, or most recently, I Feel Pretty. Perhaps her hilariously real Instagram Stories drew you in. Her red-carpet appearances and awards-show shenanigans with best friend Michelle Williams have made frequent headlines, including a well-documented front-row reaction to the infamous Moonlight–LaLa Land Oscar snafu. Maybe it’s all of the above. She’s carved out an interesting career path for herself—and now that includes adding late night host to her résumé.
Philipps’ natural candor and sense of humor will make her a fantastic host, but the fact that she’s even getting a shot at her own show at all is a marvel. In 2018 the world of late-night television has continued to be a pretty tight-knit boys’ club. Jimmy. Jimmy. Seth. Trevor. Stephen. James. Even the writers’ rooms on these shows have historically been predominantly male (and white).
Of course, there are some notable exceptions currently on the air with TBS’ Samantha Bee, Hulu’s Sarah Silverman, and BET’s Robin Thede. Still, that group is small enough that Bee had “Nasty” jackets made for each of them. (Add one more to the list, Sam!)
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The trail for women in late-night was blazed by the OG queen Joan Rivers, who hosted The Late Show on Fox in 1986. Chelsea Handler has maintained a presence after 10:00 P.M. for years—first on E! and then later on Netflix. That said, it’s problematic that you can practically count on one hand all of the female voices who have been given this kind of platform. Frankly, it feels rooted in the tired belief that women aren’t as funny as men—something we all know to be total B.S. And if ever there was a time to have more diverse voices on the air, it’s right now. That includes more women in general, and certainly more women of color and women from the LGBTQ+ community. We need to hear their perspectives, their jokes, their interviews.
Which brings me back to Philipps: I, for one, can’t wait to see what she brings to the table. If her IG Stories are any sort of preview, I’m all in.