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30 most shocking moments in late night history

By Jeremy Dick

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Actor Joaquin Phoenix, waves to the audience during his interview with Late Show host David Letterman during the Late Show with David Letterman Wednesday Feb. 11, 2008 on the CBS Television Network. This photo is provided by CBS from the Late Show with David Letterman photo archive. (Photo by John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty Images)
NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 11: Actor Joaquin Phoenix, waves to the audience during his interview with Late Show host David Letterman during the Late Show with David Letterman Wednesday Feb. 11, 2008 on the CBS Television Network. This photo is provided by CBS from the Late Show with David Letterman photo archive. (Photo by John Paul Filo/CBS via Getty Images) /
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12. Jimmy Kimmel does entire show as Jay Leno

In early 2010, some of the biggest controversy ever seen in late night TV was brewing. After Jay Leno had left The Tonight Show so Conan O’Brien could take over, NBC later declared that the show would be given back to Leno. This left many fans of O’Brien furious, accusing Leno for being personally responsible for Conan’s quick exit as the host of the show.

Jimmy Kimmel was particularly irritated with Leno over the whole situation, and used Jimmy Kimmel Live as a way to satirize it. Wearing a similar suit with a wig and fake chin, Kimmel would one night come out dressed as Jay Leno, mocking him for the entire show. In character as Leno, Kimmel said he was there to take over all the late night talk shows, and not just Conan’s.

Kimmel’s impression was made extra hilarious with how spot-on it was. The voice and mannerisms may have been exaggerated at times, but it was still very accurate. If Kimmel didn’t want Leno to get away from the fiasco with Conan unscathed, then turning him into the butt of the joke for an entire show was certainly one way to call him out on it.

Next: 11. That's one awkward apology

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