Late-night TV book club: Which hosts have written a book?
By Matt Moore
To be a successful late-night TV host, one has to have a talent for writing. So it's no surprise to see that today's top hosts are also published authors.
Some hosts, like Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers got their start as writers working for shows like The Dana Carvey Show and Saturday Night Live. Others, like Bill Maher, have used their stand-up and monologue skills to pen books.
So whether you're looking for a last-minute holiday gift or just something to add to your personal library, here's a 2024 guide to the late-night TV book club.
Jimmy Fallon
Admittedly, Jimmy Fallon's books target a very specific demographic. In fact, it's a common theme among late-night TV hosts to write for children. And nobody has done that quite like Fallon.
The Tonight Show host began with books like Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada. He followed that up with similar titles for moms and grandparents.
Then, Fallon found a new lane with a series of books based on the anticipation surrounding holidays. 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas came in 2020, followed by 5 More Sleeps 'til Halloween in 2024.
In 2025, Fallon will publish Dada Doesn't Do Anything.
Stephen Colbert
Back in the Colbert Report days, Stephen Colbert and his staff released the very funny book I Am America (and So Can You). But with that character retired, the Late Show host is free to publish different books nowadays.
Enter Does This Taste Funny? Recipes Our Family Loves. It's a cookbook co-authored by Colbert and his wife, Evie Colbert.
The book features recipes for hosting a party, preparing different types of meets, and mixing up the perfect cocktail.
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel is also in the children's book genre. He may not have as many titles to his name as Jimmy Fallon, but the ABC host still authored an entertaining read.
Kimmel wrote and illustrated The Serious Goose, published in 2019. The drawings will entertain kids while parents can relate to the struggles of getting children to settle down when it's time to get serious.
Proceeds from the book go to Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where Kimmel's son Billy received treatment for his heart condition.
Seth Meyers
We're not done with the late-night TV hosts as children's authors just yet. Seth Meyers also lands in that category.
Meyers published I'm Not Scared, You're Scared in 2022. The book follows a frightened bear and his brave rabbit friend. Meyers' book is described as both hilarious and touching.
The book is another example of how Meyers focuses much of his comedy on parenting and family life when he's not behind the Late Night desk.
Bill Maher
Bill Maher also has "published author" on his resume. The Real Time host has published several books during his career.
His latest is What This Comedian Said Will Shock You, published in 2024. The collection of essays and commentary is based on Maher's closing statements during Real Time.
Maher may not always make everyone happy with his political opinions. But as the book proves, he's not afraid to say what's on his mind.