The battle between NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and CBS’ “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” commences next week.
NBC enters that battle with a star-studded “Fallon” lineup.
According to an NBC press release, next week’s roster of “Fallon” interview guests includes high-profile stars like Richard Gere (9/8), Justin Timberlake (9/9), Ellen DeGeneres (9/9), Carrie Underwood (9/10), and Donald Trump (9/11).
Musical performers include Keith Urban (9/8), Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (9/9), Underwood (9/10), and Pharrell (9/11).
While curiosity and hype will certainly favor “Colbert,” NBC’s “Fallon” lineups–particularly for the 9/9-9/11 episodes–possess significantly greater star wattage.
NBC may not be able to top CBS during premiere week, but those lineups should help produce a more interesting race.
Full “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” listings follow:
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Richard Gere
Jessica Simpson
Keith Urban
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Justin Timberlake
Ellen DeGeneres
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Thursday, Sept. 10
Andy Samberg
Carrie Underwood (talk and musical performance)
Friday, Sept. 11
Donald Trump
Terrence Howard
Pharrell Williams