How talk shows became a hotbed of toxic behaviour

With late nights, hectic schedules, and dubious 'banter', it's no wonder these big-name programmes are beset by claims of misconduct among their staff

- Katie Rosseinsky

The TV chat show has a tried-and-tested formula, honed to predictable perfection after decades on air. There’s the affable host, who can slip from matey chats with showbiz guests into more topical material with ease. The comfy sofa or the more formal desk favoured by late-night presenters. A bit of audience participation. And some kind of musical interlude (which might be charming or cringe-worthy, depending on your tolerance for, say, watching James Corden emoting in a Land Rover). But now another more troubling ingredient seems to have been thrown into the mix: allegations of a toxic environment behind the scenes that feel at odds with the cheerful quips and skits we see on screen.

Former SNL star Jimmy Fallon’s light touch has made him one of America’s most bankable TV stars. Less avowedly political than some of his fellow presenters (you’re more likely to find him trading musical impressions with Ariana Grande than reeling off searing monologues), he was found by one 2022 survey to have the highest net favourability rating for a late-night host among US adults. But earlier this week, a Rolling Stone exposé gathered complaints made by two current and 14 former employees of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, which has aired on NBC since 2014.