48 reviews
It's improving and sometimes really enjoyable
Most of these reviews are from the first week of shows, which isn't quite fair. As with almost all TV shows, After Midnight has improved as they find their rhythm.
Some of the initial complaints still hold; while Taylor has less forced laughter, she is too bound to the prompter. The show probably would pace better at 30 minutes.
However, depending on the guests, the show can be quite funny. I've seen several episodes now that have derailed in a fun way because the guests bounced off each other and went off script, making Taylor genuinely laugh and banter back.
Hopefully, like @Midnight, the guests best suited to the format will come back regularly and level up episodes overall. And as the producers watch the reactions to their tweaks, I'm confident the show will improve.
Some of the initial complaints still hold; while Taylor has less forced laughter, she is too bound to the prompter. The show probably would pace better at 30 minutes.
However, depending on the guests, the show can be quite funny. I've seen several episodes now that have derailed in a fun way because the guests bounced off each other and went off script, making Taylor genuinely laugh and banter back.
Hopefully, like @Midnight, the guests best suited to the format will come back regularly and level up episodes overall. And as the producers watch the reactions to their tweaks, I'm confident the show will improve.
- SlimSchnady
- Feb 8, 2024
- Permalink
Can be funny - but the game should be 30 not 60 mins
@ftermidnight is a reboot of @midnight. This takes a show that was 30 mins (really 20 mins) to being 60 (really 40 mins). The game show goes on too long. From forced laughter to exhaustion of every answer in the first 20 minutes gets points, there's a reason even non-comedy game shows limit it to 30 mins.
Taylor is a great comedian. With 40 minutes, there's time for a monologue + game show. Understand CBS went to this game show to cut costs vs James Corden's show, but it's only but so long before an hour long game show alone will lack the ratings to justify even drug or political ads. They cast a phenomenal host and the game show can work as part of the show. It needs a monologue upfront and the game show can replace the guest interviews other shows do.
Taylor is a great comedian. With 40 minutes, there's time for a monologue + game show. Understand CBS went to this game show to cut costs vs James Corden's show, but it's only but so long before an hour long game show alone will lack the ratings to justify even drug or political ads. They cast a phenomenal host and the game show can work as part of the show. It needs a monologue upfront and the game show can replace the guest interviews other shows do.
A valiant go at rebooting a classic
The original.@midnight (2013-2017) was a brilliant experiment that combined up-to-the-second pop culture ephemera, stand-up comedy & improv. Host Chris Hardwick made it seem effortless. With this reboot, aptly named @fter midnight (begins at 12:30pm in many markets), new host Taylor Tomlinson tries her best to recapture the magic. In the premier episode, she seemed a bit too eager to respond with a loud chuckle to anything the three contestants said, but she did keep things moving and tossed in enough self-deprecating humor to smooth over some rough patches. Given time, I believe she can make the show her own. She also needs a better buzzer. The production has a snappy set, with a smartphone-like screen displaying videos, images and themed graphics. The production team also wisely chose to get the comic contestants out from behind their podiums for one segment. Breaking up the standard game show format is key to a project that proports to not be your average game show. As with its host, the show will need time to shake out some bugs. Here's hoping CBS is willing to invest that time.
- clinton-alvord
- Jan 17, 2024
- Permalink
Love the format
I'm so glad they brought back this format. I was a huge @midnight fan and this is a very welcome continuation. Taylor's a great host. Much rather be watching this than any of the late night talk shows. It's an also a good way to keep up with what's happening on the internet as that's the the whole point of the show. I hope it continues to grow and find its voice because I think there's room for improvement in the segments (looking at you Emoji SOS). I wonder if we'll ever see Hardwick make an appearance. Probably not but one can only hope. I loved seeing Doug Benson and Paul F. Tompkins as they always make every show they're on just a little funnier.
- supernaut1978
- Jan 23, 2024
- Permalink
A little chaotic but i laughed a lot
I'm not sure why this show's rating is so low after a single episode. Give things time, people!
I never saw the original version of this show, so i went into it blind. It is sort of a tv version of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, though not as smooth, intellectual, or funny. Yet.
Taylor is engaging when she feels like she is being herself. When she sticks to the script, it feels less natural, as would be expected from a first day host. I hope the powers behind the show recognize this and don't try to force her into a mold.
The editing is where the show suffers most. It feels rushed and the places where bits were cut are jarringly obvious, and not just because the scores fluctuate.
In the end, i can say i laughed out loud quite a few times. It was a light, enjoyable watch and I'm very curious how it will evolve over time.
I never saw the original version of this show, so i went into it blind. It is sort of a tv version of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, though not as smooth, intellectual, or funny. Yet.
Taylor is engaging when she feels like she is being herself. When she sticks to the script, it feels less natural, as would be expected from a first day host. I hope the powers behind the show recognize this and don't try to force her into a mold.
The editing is where the show suffers most. It feels rushed and the places where bits were cut are jarringly obvious, and not just because the scores fluctuate.
In the end, i can say i laughed out loud quite a few times. It was a light, enjoyable watch and I'm very curious how it will evolve over time.
I am here for this show
The show is just now getting its sea legs, so nevermind the older reviews. Remember, the original iteration of @midnight started 10 years ago; we were all in a very different place and humor evolves.
Anyways, I love this new reboot. Taylor is amazing and if you think her laugh is fake or forced, you don't understand Taylor. Please move on... Yes, sometimes of the editing needs work, but it will get there 🤞
I enjoy the banter and the talk-show portion, oddly enough. The games are getting nuttier and I love it. Every episode has at least one laugh-until-you-cry moment and that makes it worthwhile for me.
Anyways, I love this new reboot. Taylor is amazing and if you think her laugh is fake or forced, you don't understand Taylor. Please move on... Yes, sometimes of the editing needs work, but it will get there 🤞
I enjoy the banter and the talk-show portion, oddly enough. The games are getting nuttier and I love it. Every episode has at least one laugh-until-you-cry moment and that makes it worthwhile for me.
- nursegidge
- Mar 14, 2024
- Permalink
Too scripted
The show was very scripted feeling. You have a bunch of amazing comedians on the show including the host, but it felt like she was just reading from a teleprompter the whole time. Give her the cards and turn them loose to be comedians. They are already funny people. You don't have to write their jokes for them.
I was really hoping for something like an American version of The Big Fat Quiz, but it just missed the mark. Who cares if they even make it through the whole game, just let it derail a bit.
Hopefully Taylor will get more comfortable after a few episodes because she is already naturally funny. She doesn't need to look at the camera every time she talks. We are watching to see the back and forth between her and the other comedians not her and the audience/camera.
I was really hoping for something like an American version of The Big Fat Quiz, but it just missed the mark. Who cares if they even make it through the whole game, just let it derail a bit.
Hopefully Taylor will get more comfortable after a few episodes because she is already naturally funny. She doesn't need to look at the camera every time she talks. We are watching to see the back and forth between her and the other comedians not her and the audience/camera.
- dvance-27464
- Jan 16, 2024
- Permalink
love the taylor, really like the show
I'll start by revealing my bias - I love Taylor Tomlinson, funny as all hell, super smart, and not at all difficult to look at. Ok, now to the show. I really like the rotating comedian format. You get to see many talented people in an unaccustomed format, displaying their wit rather than performing a pre-written routine. And I disagree that Taylor's responses are 'forced laughs'. She loves comedy, and I believe her laughter is genuine.
I'm an old dude, 70 next month, so I don't stay up until 12:37 am to watch the show. I watch it on the Paramount/CBS website. I thought I would use it as an occasional filler, but I have watched every show, and I plan to continue doing so.
I'm an old dude, 70 next month, so I don't stay up until 12:37 am to watch the show. I watch it on the Paramount/CBS website. I thought I would use it as an occasional filler, but I have watched every show, and I plan to continue doing so.
- kbermancpa
- Mar 24, 2024
- Permalink
Not A Bad Start...
For being a "late night show" it's different and unique and pretty tongue in cheek. It's not really covering any new ground, but what it does do is take this comedic game show formula and make it work pretty well so far (just after first episode). The guests were hilarious and Taylor uses her comedic charm that we have seen in her Netflix specials and incorporates it well within what she is trying to do.
The only thing is that with this being a late night local broadcast show, the main people watching it are going to be older people and with the show focusing on trends with TikTok, memes and more, it more than likely won't work for them. Maybe it will gain an audience when the episodes air on Paramount + or maybe from TikTok clips and YouTube edits showing off the best and funniest moments.
I'm not sure how long the show will last, but it has the potential to at least last a few years, maybe more.
The only thing is that with this being a late night local broadcast show, the main people watching it are going to be older people and with the show focusing on trends with TikTok, memes and more, it more than likely won't work for them. Maybe it will gain an audience when the episodes air on Paramount + or maybe from TikTok clips and YouTube edits showing off the best and funniest moments.
I'm not sure how long the show will last, but it has the potential to at least last a few years, maybe more.
- jschroeck92
- Jan 16, 2024
- Permalink
Too many forced laughs
It was a good idea, and a format that has worked before - get a bunch of comedians together in a game show setting, which allows them to freestyle.
Some of the best examples are British, like the legendary "Mock The Week" or "Have I Got News For You".
Unfortunately this version of the concept is lacking in many areas.
First of all Taylor Tomlinson is just too "nice" (in a rather annoying "American housewife" kind of way).
It's clear she desperately wants her first show to be a hit, but when that translates into forcefully laughing at stuff that isn't really funny, it comes across as disingenuous and fake.
She needs to get savage with it (including with her guests), like the hosts of the aforementioned British shows, if she wants the show to go beyond 1 season and wants the comedians performing on the show to bring their A-game.
Secondly many of the comedians cast are just not good enough at thinking on their feet, which results in far too many jokes that fall completely flat, despite the host and audience trying their best at immitating a laugh track, while the audience at home are thinking "why are they laughing so hard?".
The casters should focus on casting comedians that are quick witted - they are usually the ones that handle hecklers the best when doing stand up.
Third I am hugely annoyed by the points system (which I grant is probably JUST me :D).
Why give the players 100 points for a good "joke" - instead of just giving them 1? What's the point to someone getting "1700" points instead of "17", for making 17 good jokes?
Some of the best examples are British, like the legendary "Mock The Week" or "Have I Got News For You".
Unfortunately this version of the concept is lacking in many areas.
First of all Taylor Tomlinson is just too "nice" (in a rather annoying "American housewife" kind of way).
It's clear she desperately wants her first show to be a hit, but when that translates into forcefully laughing at stuff that isn't really funny, it comes across as disingenuous and fake.
She needs to get savage with it (including with her guests), like the hosts of the aforementioned British shows, if she wants the show to go beyond 1 season and wants the comedians performing on the show to bring their A-game.
Secondly many of the comedians cast are just not good enough at thinking on their feet, which results in far too many jokes that fall completely flat, despite the host and audience trying their best at immitating a laugh track, while the audience at home are thinking "why are they laughing so hard?".
The casters should focus on casting comedians that are quick witted - they are usually the ones that handle hecklers the best when doing stand up.
Third I am hugely annoyed by the points system (which I grant is probably JUST me :D).
Why give the players 100 points for a good "joke" - instead of just giving them 1? What's the point to someone getting "1700" points instead of "17", for making 17 good jokes?
- Broccolidwarf
- Jan 23, 2024
- Permalink
This show has a lot of promise
I liked this show a lot. Taylor is hilarious as she is adorable. The premise is interesting and I laughed a lot while watching this show. I thought the comedians on so far have been great, kind of making them preform like this for this long is hilarious to see them just come up with things on the spot. I loved it/
I do think the show is in it's early stages but really does show potential to break the late night mold. It is silly and I love that they are using topical internet videos and content.
I think this show could use some guests that aren't comedians, but I know they want to be funny from the get so that's alright too. I would love to see more of this show.
I have seen some bad reviews but mostly people are cringy and want to hate on anything. I don't know, I liked it.
I do think the show is in it's early stages but really does show potential to break the late night mold. It is silly and I love that they are using topical internet videos and content.
I think this show could use some guests that aren't comedians, but I know they want to be funny from the get so that's alright too. I would love to see more of this show.
I have seen some bad reviews but mostly people are cringy and want to hate on anything. I don't know, I liked it.
- mrbillyrigby
- Jan 18, 2024
- Permalink
The new format is not good
I loved this show. I stopped watching Seth Meyers, who is fantastic and has great guests, to watch @midnight every night. But after the show came back from it's summer break with a format change, I'm wandering back to Seth. It's not a good format. It totally takes away from the spontaneity of the guests. The guests and the show are funniest at their podiums, not sitting on a couch asking questions or standing in front of a door guessing which other guest is knocking on it in the other side. I think the show will lose viewers with the new format. You're losing me. Please go back!!! I would have given nine stars for the old format. I think seven stars is being generous for the new format.
- jethroc-79054
- Sep 17, 2024
- Permalink
An attempt was made.
There are a lot of very funny, very talented people involved in this show and yet, somehow, it's still extremely bad. I really wanted to like this because many of the people involved (including Tomlinson) are quite funny. I was hoping this would be like some of the really great British panel shows (things like 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Would I Lie To You? Etc) but it's genuinely difficult to sit through this painfully unfunny show. The jokes feel scripted, the laughter feels forced, nothing about this feels organic and fun - the way a good panel show *should* feel - and the whole thing just doesn't justify its existence at all. I cannot imagine this will last more than one season.
- simianfriday
- Jan 18, 2024
- Permalink
Relaunch/hash/invention of @midnight is bedding in nicely
So this show used to exist, and TBH I didn't understand why it was cancelled (unless rumblings about a certain host were happening behind the scenes?!)
The format is a flexible potentially anarchic way to have comedians, improv bods, satirists, quick witted actors do some light touch political parody and social (media) commentary nightly without having too much of the 'writers room' problems much 'merican comedy has (a lotta yank comedy thinks it better than it is, too much thinking not enough laughing - you're clowns guys n gals)
It is also a place for younger, greener, riskier performers to cut their teeth, practice their brand or show another side of themselves without too big an audience to worry about.
The first eps aren't great but its bedding in nicely and Taylor is gaining her confidence in the role.
There is, however, some learning to be had; fake laughing from hosts and out-of-shot production members no no nooooooo -better to look embarrased/make a joke of a failed punch-line/chastise the audiences' lack of taste/give derogatory points - than make out its all equally good or funny, make the unfunny part of the joke riiiiigggght.
Chaos is better than precision for a show like this.
Not everything needs a fecking graphic or if you must make the digital board part of joke... coz the screen isn't captivating by itself.
The guests and episodes that have been the best are the most free - (serious, self absorbed comics need not apply) and many of the contestants who've been the best are 'older' confident, non-stand up types, these comedians/comic actors (several of whom did the ol' show) get the schtick... and they can be as wild as they like (the show is clearly editted it so at least that way you'll capture the energy and enuf content to pick from)
Hopefully the dhow will continue and they'll settle into more regular 'games'/tropes (at the beginning its was a new thing every 30 secs) Best when they have a stable of known games that the audience and players know may come round like hashtags wars, for the win (and FFS you gorra swallow your pride and use twitter too cmon!) Eventually (halleloooooo) there was first Brit player t'other night... there's loadsa Limeys out there so get em booked (we've loads of free wheeling comedy on our TV so they're used to similar stuff - might help loosen up your domestics if they're on set)
EDIT the big sporty night spesh - Wayne Brady, Kevin Smith and Maria - great bookings. You don't necessaryily need yunguns on this show, you need follk who don't give a feck and are happy to improvise and be foolish, whatever their age and background.
The first eps aren't great but its bedding in nicely and Taylor is gaining her confidence in the role.
There is, however, some learning to be had; fake laughing from hosts and out-of-shot production members no no nooooooo -better to look embarrased/make a joke of a failed punch-line/chastise the audiences' lack of taste/give derogatory points - than make out its all equally good or funny, make the unfunny part of the joke riiiiigggght.
Chaos is better than precision for a show like this.
Not everything needs a fecking graphic or if you must make the digital board part of joke... coz the screen isn't captivating by itself.
The guests and episodes that have been the best are the most free - (serious, self absorbed comics need not apply) and many of the contestants who've been the best are 'older' confident, non-stand up types, these comedians/comic actors (several of whom did the ol' show) get the schtick... and they can be as wild as they like (the show is clearly editted it so at least that way you'll capture the energy and enuf content to pick from)
Hopefully the dhow will continue and they'll settle into more regular 'games'/tropes (at the beginning its was a new thing every 30 secs) Best when they have a stable of known games that the audience and players know may come round like hashtags wars, for the win (and FFS you gorra swallow your pride and use twitter too cmon!) Eventually (halleloooooo) there was first Brit player t'other night... there's loadsa Limeys out there so get em booked (we've loads of free wheeling comedy on our TV so they're used to similar stuff - might help loosen up your domestics if they're on set)
EDIT the big sporty night spesh - Wayne Brady, Kevin Smith and Maria - great bookings. You don't necessaryily need yunguns on this show, you need follk who don't give a feck and are happy to improvise and be foolish, whatever their age and background.
Great live comedy
The guests are critical to the number of laughs. Still great show. Makes me laugh. Something different so that make me happy. The host is sharp and keeps things rolling. Hopefully the show can continue to get guests that are creative and funny. Unscripted comedy can be brilliant and tv has very little of it. Too bad Robin Williams is no longer with us he would own this format. So very good s new show. Too bad the review has to be so long. I just wanted to write a quick review but was required to write a mini-essay. Still not long enough so I will keep blabbing when all I wanted to say was I really like Afyetmidnight.
- coachdarcy
- Jan 26, 2024
- Permalink
CBS (surprisingly) successfully connects with the youth!
My new favorite show!! Taylor is such a natural at hosting this fun and relevant comedy game show. It is so creative and introduces us to new comedians each night in a light-hearted and funny way. I love that the show is always changing and there are new games every night. Being in the studio audience is even better, it feels like hanging out with a bunch of comedian friends and so fun to see the hilarious interactions between Taylor and the comedian panelists.
This feels like the only broadcast TV shows actually made by and for millennials/gen z. Love to see someone who looks like me, a 30 year old woman, in late night and not doing the same boring talk show that we see all the other men late night show hosts doing every night. "The Talk Show portion" feels more like a mockery of talk shows and it's so refreshing honestly. The whole show feels way more authentic overall than other broadcast shows, I hope that aspect doesn't change as it gets more popular. Nice work CBS on the female representation!
This feels like the only broadcast TV shows actually made by and for millennials/gen z. Love to see someone who looks like me, a 30 year old woman, in late night and not doing the same boring talk show that we see all the other men late night show hosts doing every night. "The Talk Show portion" feels more like a mockery of talk shows and it's so refreshing honestly. The whole show feels way more authentic overall than other broadcast shows, I hope that aspect doesn't change as it gets more popular. Nice work CBS on the female representation!
- understandmentalhealthstory
- Mar 25, 2024
- Permalink
Was finding its footing, but season 2 is a big step back
I will preface this review by stating I watched every single episode of season 1 of After Midnight, and the little amount of season 2 that has come out as of this review (so far). Before reviewing a late night show of this format, I figured I needed to watch enough of the content to be fair, so I watched it all.
What did I see? Well, I knew the series was going to take some time to find its footing, and after a couple of months, I think it did. Did I think that season 1 was perfect? Absolutely not. But it's season 1 after all, I thought, it needs more time to cook.
I really enjoy Taylor Tomlinson as a comedian and her style of comedy, so in season 1 I enjoyed her monologues when she did them, and I liked getting to see new comedians I hadn't before, as well as some of my old favorites like Drew Carey. I felt like season 1 started to get a little repetitive with the "contestants" near the end of the season, but again, season 1 bumps that'll get ironed out eventually.
Towards the middle / end of season 1, there began the show tweaks. Less monologue, more monologue. Switch out contestants getting eliminated, or how they get eliminated. Switch out the end game. Etc. Mostly bad changes, I thought. But again, season 1.
Season 2 so far has seen show changes that have pivoted it towards a more traditional talk show, and it's an unfortunate thing, in my opinion. The segment from season 1 that was the "fake talk show portion" has become a full on talk show. The most recent episode even brought on a guest who wasn't a comedian. That's fine ON A TALK SHOW, but this isn't supposed to BE a talk show, right?
Right, producers?
My greatest fear is that After Midnight has been a CBS long con all along. They introduced the show in season 1 as an @midnight successor, a "fake game show", and now in season 2 have slowly morphed it into a talk show, with some game show elements.
The "games" portion of this show, you know, the show that touts itself as "a fake game show where we make fun of the internet", now only consists of 2 segments even about the internet. 2 lame games that have nothing to do with the internet, a very long extended boring talk show portion that resembles James Cordin's old show, and then a lackluster ending where no one is eliminated and they play a random video for a few seconds. Zzzz.
I know I'm not alone in my criticism of season 2.
I also know that the format of After Midnight will change more, but whoever is making these changes seems to almost obtusely do the opposite of what people are criticizing this show for. It's a good way to get cancelled. Oh well, traditional tv is dying anyway.
What did I see? Well, I knew the series was going to take some time to find its footing, and after a couple of months, I think it did. Did I think that season 1 was perfect? Absolutely not. But it's season 1 after all, I thought, it needs more time to cook.
I really enjoy Taylor Tomlinson as a comedian and her style of comedy, so in season 1 I enjoyed her monologues when she did them, and I liked getting to see new comedians I hadn't before, as well as some of my old favorites like Drew Carey. I felt like season 1 started to get a little repetitive with the "contestants" near the end of the season, but again, season 1 bumps that'll get ironed out eventually.
Towards the middle / end of season 1, there began the show tweaks. Less monologue, more monologue. Switch out contestants getting eliminated, or how they get eliminated. Switch out the end game. Etc. Mostly bad changes, I thought. But again, season 1.
Season 2 so far has seen show changes that have pivoted it towards a more traditional talk show, and it's an unfortunate thing, in my opinion. The segment from season 1 that was the "fake talk show portion" has become a full on talk show. The most recent episode even brought on a guest who wasn't a comedian. That's fine ON A TALK SHOW, but this isn't supposed to BE a talk show, right?
Right, producers?
My greatest fear is that After Midnight has been a CBS long con all along. They introduced the show in season 1 as an @midnight successor, a "fake game show", and now in season 2 have slowly morphed it into a talk show, with some game show elements.
The "games" portion of this show, you know, the show that touts itself as "a fake game show where we make fun of the internet", now only consists of 2 segments even about the internet. 2 lame games that have nothing to do with the internet, a very long extended boring talk show portion that resembles James Cordin's old show, and then a lackluster ending where no one is eliminated and they play a random video for a few seconds. Zzzz.
I know I'm not alone in my criticism of season 2.
I also know that the format of After Midnight will change more, but whoever is making these changes seems to almost obtusely do the opposite of what people are criticizing this show for. It's a good way to get cancelled. Oh well, traditional tv is dying anyway.
Gets better & better
I wish the stale reviews would drop off, because this show was struggling at first, but has improved steadily ever since its debut. I agree in the first couple of weeks it was rough, but I've really enjoyed watching it settle into a funny groove.
I also love seeing the @midnight alumni show up. And I *also* really enjoy the hysterically funny LGBTQ participants. It all works.
My least-favourite part might be the "talk show portion", and I suspect it's also Taylor's least-favourite as well!
Nutshell: skip the naysayers' reviews and give this show a shot. I'd say 2 weeks' worth of episodes will be sufficient to decide.
I also love seeing the @midnight alumni show up. And I *also* really enjoy the hysterically funny LGBTQ participants. It all works.
My least-favourite part might be the "talk show portion", and I suspect it's also Taylor's least-favourite as well!
Nutshell: skip the naysayers' reviews and give this show a shot. I'd say 2 weeks' worth of episodes will be sufficient to decide.
- literalgirl
- Apr 22, 2024
- Permalink
Back @ you
Back @ you segment was very entertaining last night. The trio of Bert Kreischer, Katherine Blanford & Rich Eisen was great. The show has steadily gotten better over time. Taylor Tomlinson is perfect for the show. I love how she laughs throughout the show. It's just stupid, crazy and fun. It's a nice break for me to watch adults being absolutely ridiculous and an hour of smiling and laughing. A show unlike any other I've ever seen which makes it even more fun. I like how the guests make fun of each other and everyone just seems to really enjoy themselves. Give it a try if you've never watched it! Stupid fun!
- tinablom-22033
- May 14, 2024
- Permalink
This show is awful
I was not a big fan of James Corden, but at least his show had some interesting highlights. This show is not funny, interesting, or smart. I've watched Taylor's stand up before and she is great, but watching her fake laugh at terrible one liners that her guests provide is nauseating. I forced myself to watch at least 2 full episodes, and I mean that I had to force myself. The urge to turn myself away from the show was so strong until I could not take it anymore and gave up. Also, it does not help that it is right after Colbert's show which is very interesting, intelligent and funny. Really hope they reinvent the show so that it can show Taylor's comedic promise.
- leo-spinola
- Jan 22, 2024
- Permalink
Why
This is the worst show ever. It has no value excitement or flair. I've watched it several times, not to mention the host is super boring.
I can't find any reason to watch this show. I don't understand it at all. However she would probably be better in another show, the does nothing for her.
Upon reading the reviews everyone feels similar. The scripted show is not a hit. What are the producers thinking? It is not funny. Why does CBS always resurrect the dead? Are the writers still on strike? After midnight is a lose lose. It is really a dead show. No enthusiasm whatsoever. This show is a bust.
I can't find any reason to watch this show. I don't understand it at all. However she would probably be better in another show, the does nothing for her.
Upon reading the reviews everyone feels similar. The scripted show is not a hit. What are the producers thinking? It is not funny. Why does CBS always resurrect the dead? Are the writers still on strike? After midnight is a lose lose. It is really a dead show. No enthusiasm whatsoever. This show is a bust.
- valerief-48507
- Aug 14, 2024
- Permalink
Frequently hilarious now that it's got its footing
I was a fan from the start because I felt that Taylor brought the right energy to the show and in some ways hit the same notes Chris Hardwick did hosting @midnight. There were definitely some issues with the format and pacing early on. I was convinced after the first week or two they would have to cut it down to 30 minutes because each episode felt like an eternity even when the guests were fantastic.
Now several months in, they've tweaked the format a lot, given some time away at the start to Taylor for a monologue, and gotten very creative with the games. Not every game lands, but really it's about putting the comedians into situations where they can be themselves and generate chaos and it's usually very funny. Some of the games are so nonsensical and confusing they become part of the joke, and it's great when Taylor breaks and goes off script. With the format changes, there's a bit less buzzing in for rapid-fire one-liners, other than the iconic Hashtag Wars, so there's more opportunity for crazy things to happen.
We have had enough time to see which people are going to come back again and again and it's some of the same folks who used to show up regularly on @midnight, which makes me very happy. I've also been enjoying "theme bookings" when two or more guests are close friends or castmates from a single show so they already know how to play off each other.
I don't watch episodes the night they air, but I usually catch up here and there over the course of the week and try not to miss any because it's one of the highlights of my week.
Now several months in, they've tweaked the format a lot, given some time away at the start to Taylor for a monologue, and gotten very creative with the games. Not every game lands, but really it's about putting the comedians into situations where they can be themselves and generate chaos and it's usually very funny. Some of the games are so nonsensical and confusing they become part of the joke, and it's great when Taylor breaks and goes off script. With the format changes, there's a bit less buzzing in for rapid-fire one-liners, other than the iconic Hashtag Wars, so there's more opportunity for crazy things to happen.
We have had enough time to see which people are going to come back again and again and it's some of the same folks who used to show up regularly on @midnight, which makes me very happy. I've also been enjoying "theme bookings" when two or more guests are close friends or castmates from a single show so they already know how to play off each other.
I don't watch episodes the night they air, but I usually catch up here and there over the course of the week and try not to miss any because it's one of the highlights of my week.
Only "late night" show I'll bother with.
They are "losing the thread" in season 2... Trying to use the cookie-cutter formats of other late night shows and shoehorning this show into that.
A title sequence, which wasn't needed.
An actual couch, which wasn't needed.
An opening monologue, which wasn't needed.
The great thing about the first season, especially the first 20-30 episodes was the "basement comedy" sort fo feel to it all. As if it was just a bunch of comedians trying to crank each other up. They are losing that in season 2 quickly. This show does NOT need "polish" and glitz and the more they add, the less funny it becomes and the more scripted it starts to appear.
------------------ Original review posted 3/4 through season 1 below -----------------
@fter Midnight is really the only late night thing I'll watch. All the talk shows are boring and rather monotonous. This show is just a bunch of jokes over and over. Some fall flat, but some are really great spontaneous things.
(is At-fter a word?? Someone failed to workshop that - it's nonsensical.)
My only complaint is ....
WHY is a show which airs AFTER MIDNIGHT censored as heavily as a daytime drama??? It is only coarse language at most.
Are they trying to protect unsupervised 8 year olds staying up to watch this? American TV is so stupid at times. Shows airing after 12am should mean language restraints should be a bit more lenient. Even the UK understands that after 9/10 pm some adult language is acceptable.
Stop babysitting adults FCC!!!
This Taylor Tomlinson incarnation so very much better than the Hardwick incarnation.
A title sequence, which wasn't needed.
An actual couch, which wasn't needed.
An opening monologue, which wasn't needed.
The great thing about the first season, especially the first 20-30 episodes was the "basement comedy" sort fo feel to it all. As if it was just a bunch of comedians trying to crank each other up. They are losing that in season 2 quickly. This show does NOT need "polish" and glitz and the more they add, the less funny it becomes and the more scripted it starts to appear.
------------------ Original review posted 3/4 through season 1 below -----------------
@fter Midnight is really the only late night thing I'll watch. All the talk shows are boring and rather monotonous. This show is just a bunch of jokes over and over. Some fall flat, but some are really great spontaneous things.
(is At-fter a word?? Someone failed to workshop that - it's nonsensical.)
My only complaint is ....
WHY is a show which airs AFTER MIDNIGHT censored as heavily as a daytime drama??? It is only coarse language at most.
Are they trying to protect unsupervised 8 year olds staying up to watch this? American TV is so stupid at times. Shows airing after 12am should mean language restraints should be a bit more lenient. Even the UK understands that after 9/10 pm some adult language is acceptable.
Stop babysitting adults FCC!!!
This Taylor Tomlinson incarnation so very much better than the Hardwick incarnation.
Bring back Craig Ferguson
I watched the premiere episode of this new replacement for the slot after The Late Show and, in my opinion, it was a total failure. (A pseudo-"game show" with made up points? That was more successfully done with "Whose Line Is It Anyway?") The lines in After Midnight all seemed scripted. Any sense of genuine laughter or surprise seemed forced and rehearsed. And while Taylor Tomlinson may be a gifted stand-up, here she just seems so "plastic" and fake. I don't buy her at all the way she plays the host.
Last, at one hour long, this show DRAGS, which is deadly for a so-called comedy show. If After Midnight continues eons its early episodes, it definitely needs to be trimmed down to 30 minutes.
After Midnight may have looked good on paper, but it is a disaster on screen. Not worth watching. Just bring back Craig Ferguson and give him his old gig again.
Last, at one hour long, this show DRAGS, which is deadly for a so-called comedy show. If After Midnight continues eons its early episodes, it definitely needs to be trimmed down to 30 minutes.
After Midnight may have looked good on paper, but it is a disaster on screen. Not worth watching. Just bring back Craig Ferguson and give him his old gig again.
A joyfully crazy show that's getting better all the time
Taylor Tomlinson is a national treasure. She deep dives into the latest internet news, crazes and trends to fuel an endless roster of stupid but mostly pretty funny games for her panel of comedian/actor/celebrity guests to try to win. Points are awarded on a totally random basis, 2000 here, 500 there, whatever Taylor's feelin'. The laughter is genuine, and the audience's pleasure is palpable. The guest lineup has offered viewers some excellent surprises recently, with Mandy Moore, Andy Richter, Anna Faris and Melissa Villasenor among them. The "talk show portion" has morphed into something altogether hilarious. And at the end of the show, there's sometimes TikTok-style dancing. A lot of fun, keep up the good work!
- sharron_lehman
- Jul 24, 2024
- Permalink