The intro show is an unusual challenge. You (obviously) want to be funny, and you’re setting a tone. Your first episode will be the one reviewers cite, and it’s how you introduce yourself to a new audience. I’m assuming Jimmy’s comedy voice on the show will end up involving a lot of self-deprecation, general niceness, and just a lot of silliness.

Some monologue suggestions for tonight, trying to play on those (which I perceive as Jimmy’s strengths):

• My debut tonight isn’t just a fulfillment of one of my lifelong dreams — it’s one of my mother’s as well. Ever since I was a kid, I can remember her saying: “Jimmy, I would one day love to be the meat in a Jay Leno/Carson Daly sandwich.
• Of course, soon that’ll be a Conan/Carson sandwich instead. Well, really, Leno will be on at 10, he’s the appetizer. Conan’s the main course, and I’m dessert. Which makes Carson Daly the post-meal purging, I guess.
• We had nearly a foot of snow fall in New York City since yesterday. I haven’t seen this much snow since… Ooh! You pick your favorite punchline.
  • … since I was backstage at a Jonas Brothers concert
  • … since the last time Joaquin Phoenix ran his hand through his hair
  • … since the day I got offered this show, and checked the weather forcast in Hell!

I’m pumped to see what Jimmy and his writers come up with for tonight, and I look forward to watching the show’s early evolution. The first season of Conan looks positively ancient when you watch it today; will these first Fallon-hosted Late Nights one day seem like relics compared to where the show ends up?

The only way I could be more eager to see what develops on Late Night With Jimmy Falon would be if I, y’know, worked there. Jimmy: Call me!