The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon - Episode Summary
Episode: Jimmy Reacts to CBS Ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert | Adam Sandler, Sabrina Ionescu
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, host Jimmy Fallon dives into the recent shake-up in late-night television with the announcement that CBS is ending The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The show features special guests Adam Sandler, the beloved actor and comedian, and Sabrina Ionescu, the WNBA star and point guard for the New York Liberty. With a mix of humor, heartfelt conversations, and captivating promotions, the episode offers viewers a blend of entertainment and insightful discussions.
Adam Sandler's Monologue and Political Commentary
Adam Sandler kicks off the episode with a candid and humorous monologue addressing the controversial decision by CBS to conclude The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He expresses his disapproval, saying, “I don't like what's going on one bit,” highlighting the potential loss for CBS as the network could "lose millions of viewers plus tens of hundreds watching on Paramount." Sandler emphasizes Colbert's accomplishments, noting, “Stephen has done years of incredibly smart and hilarious television and he's won 10 Emmys” (01:03).
Delving into political satire, Sandler humorously critiques former President Donald Trump's actions and statements. He mocks Trump's celebration of his "first six months in office," quipping, “Most Americans heard and were like, how has it only been six months?” He continues with a series of playful jabs at Trump, interweaving pop culture references and current events to keep the audience entertained.
One standout moment is when Sandler recounts Trump's lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal over a controversial birthday card to Jeffrey Epstein. Sandler narrates, “Trump is suing the Wall Street Journal for publishing the details of a birthday card that he reportedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein” (02:25), adding layers of satire and wit that resonate with the audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Sandler: “I don't like what's going on one bit. These are crazy times.” (01:11)
- Adam Sandler: “Stephen has done years of incredibly smart and hilarious television and he's won 10 Emmys.” (01:03)
- Adam Sandler: “Most Americans heard and were like, how has it only been six months?” (02:15)
Promotions: Happy Gilmore 2 and Sabrina Ionescu's Sneakers
Transitioning seamlessly from political commentary, Adam Sandler takes the opportunity to promote his latest project, Happy Gilmore 2. He enthusiastically shares, “The sequel to one of the funniest movies of all time, Happy Gilmore you can see Happy Gilmore 2 when it premieres globally on Netflix this Friday” (06:32). Sandler's excitement is palpable, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about the film's development and its reception.
Sabrina Ionescu, the episode's other star, discusses her new sneaker line, "Sabrina Threes," available at Nike. She explains, “These come out soon. I've been wearing them on the court now for about a week, but I'm excited to see what everyone thinks” (26:32). Ionescu emphasizes the significance of her sneakers, stating, “we create this opportunity for young girls and boys growing up now to hope and dream of wanting to be a signature athlete because they see us all do it on the court and support one another” (26:32).
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Sandler: “The sequel to one of the funniest movies of all time, Happy Gilmore 2 you can see Happy Gilmore 2 when it premieres globally on Netflix this Friday.” (06:32)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “These come out soon. I've been wearing them on the court now for about a week, but I'm excited to see what everyone thinks.” (26:32)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “We create this opportunity for young girls and boys growing up now to hope and dream of wanting to be a signature athlete because they see us all do it on the court and support one another.” (26:32)
Guest Interactions and Highlights
The chemistry between Adam Sandler and Sabrina Ionescu is evident as they engage in light-hearted banter and share personal anecdotes. Amidst laughter and mutual admiration, they discuss their respective journeys in entertainment and sports. Sandler reminisces about his early days performing stand-up in casinos, saying, “Ago, I went and met you at a casino or something. And I was just starting out. I had no money” (11:53).
Sabrina shares her experiences from the WNBA All-Star game, highlighting memorable moments and interactions with legendary figures like Garrett Morris and Robert De Niro. She reflects on her 13th appearance on the show, humorously tackling superstitions related to her lucky numbers: “23 is a big deal in my house growing up… I was like, that could be my lucky number too. Cause nine plus nine is 18” (11:25).
Their conversation delves into the emotional aspects of performing and achieving milestones. Ionescu fondly recalls the night she received two Emmy nominations, expressing, “That's one One is your great standup special. Good. I just loved how much you loved the show and respected and...” (12:27).
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Sandler: “Ago, I went and met you at a casino or something. And I was just starting out. I had no money.” (11:53)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “23 is a big deal in my house growing up… I was like, that could be my lucky number too. Cause nine plus nine is 18.” (11:25)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “That's one One is your great standup special. Good. I just loved how much you loved the show and respected and...” (12:27)
Game Segment: 'Starting Five'
One of the episode's highlights is the interactive game segment, "Starting Five," where Adam Sandler quizzes Sabrina Ionescu on various categories. This playful exchange showcases the camaraderie between the guests and provides the audience with entertaining insights into their preferences and personalities.
Category 1: Pre-Game Hype Songs Sandler challenges Ionescu to name her top five pre-game hype songs. Sabrina selects a diverse mix:
- "Fast Car" by Luke Combs (28:00)
- "Heaven" by Kane Brown
- "I Want to Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
- "Life" by Kygo
- "Better Together" by Luke Combs
Category 2: Best Fast Food Menu Items Ionescu outlines her favorite fast-food selections, tying them to her West Coast roots:
- In-N-Out Burger (28:55)
- In-N-Out French Fries
- Shake on top
- Krispy Kreme Doughnut
- Crumbl Cookies
Category 3: Greatest Basketball Players of All Time In a twist of humor, Ionescu includes herself in the list:
- Sabrina Ionescu
- Stephen Curry
- Kobe Bryant
- Briana Stewart
- Adam Sandler
Their interaction during the game is filled with laughter and friendly competition, highlighting their mutual respect and shared humor.
Notable Quotes:
- Adam Sandler: “You're starting five of the best pre game hype songs.” (27:43)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “Fast Car by Luke Combs. Heaven by Kane Brown. I want to dance with somebody.” (28:18)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “I'm going Stephen Curry, Steph. I'm going Kobe Bryant, Briana Stewart because she's my teammate. And the goat, Stewie. And then I'm going Adam Sandler.” (30:28)
Sabrina Ionescu's Athletic Achievements and Future Plans
The episode delves into Sabrina Ionescu's illustrious career with the New York Liberty. She proudly discusses winning the team's first championship, the challenges of maintaining peak performance, and her aspirations for future seasons. Ionescu describes the exhilaration of winning, stating, “It's the most amazing feeling that you could ever feel” (25:38), and elaborates on the team's current standing, “We're top two” (25:56).
Her passion for the game is evident as she talks about balancing professional commitments with personal milestones, such as launching her sneaker line. Ionescu emphasizes the impact of her signature sneakers on young athletes, underlining the importance of role models in sports.
Notable Quotes:
- Sabrina Ionescu: “It's the most amazing feeling that you could ever feel. I mean, you walk on the street, anywhere you go, it's like, let's go, Liberty.” (25:38)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “I can't believe we're on three already. But to be able to understand what the vision was on Sabrina 1…” (26:32)
- Sabrina Ionescu: “We create this opportunity for young girls and boys growing up now to hope and dream of wanting to be a signature athlete because they see us all do it on the court and support one another.” (26:32)
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Jimmy Fallon reflects on the vibrant discussions and shared laughter between Adam Sandler and Sabrina Ionescu. The show effectively balances entertainment with meaningful conversations, leaving viewers both amused and inspired. Promotions for Happy Gilmore 2 and Sabrina Ionescu's "Sabrina Threes" resonate strongly, underscoring the guests' ongoing contributions to their respective fields.
Closing Remarks:
- Jimmy Fallon: “More tonight's show after the break. Stick around, everybody.” (22:22)
- The Roots: Reiterating their energetic performances, blending seamlessly with the show's flow. (31:29)
Key Takeaways:
- CBS's Decision: Adam Sandler provides a humorous yet critical take on CBS's choice to end The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, highlighting the potential cultural and viewer impacts.
- Celebrity Promotions: The episode effectively promotes Adam Sandler's new film and Sabrina Ionescu's athletic endeavors, showcasing their versatility and influence.
- Engaging Interactions: The camaraderie between guests adds a relatable and entertaining layer to the show, enhancing viewer engagement.
- Inspirational Messages: Sabrina Ionescu's discussions about her sneakers and athletic achievements inspire aspiring athletes and underline the importance of representation in sports.
This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon masterfully blends humor, celebrity insights, and heartfelt discussions, making it a memorable watch for fans and casual viewers alike.