The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Trump Accepts $400 Million Plane Bribe | Sofía Vergara, Michael McKean, Maren Morris
Host: NBC Universal
Release Date: May 13, 2025

1. Opening Monologue: Political Satire and Current Events

Timestamp: [00:58] – [05:58]

Jimmy Fallon kicks off the episode with his signature humor, addressing the recent news that President Donald Trump has accepted a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar. Fallon humorously critiques the ethical implications while poking fun at Trump's plans to use it as Air Force One and retain it post-presidency.

Notable Quote:

"The 89 passenger luxury plane has wood finishes, custom carpets, and gold walls. The only thing it doesn't have is a way to safely land at Newark Airport."
— Jimmy Fallon [00:58]

Fallon transitions to other political news, including Trump's executive order to reduce prescription drug prices by up to 80%. He invites medical correspondent Peter Bressler to dissect the implications of this policy.

Timestamp: [02:05] – [04:35]

In this segment, Fallon and Bressler engage in a playful exchange about prescription medications, highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks of the executive order. The conversation touches on consumer impact and the pharmaceutical industry's response.

Notable Quote:

"Many are worried that this would negatively affect innovations in medicine. But on the flip side, in the short term, prices might drop significantly, which is great news for anyone not on Ozempic."
— Peter Bressler [04:22]

2. Pop Culture Highlights and Sports News

Timestamp: [05:58] – [11:10]

Fallon shifts to lighter topics, discussing the chaos at Newark Airport and introducing quirky news about the new Pope being an American from Chicago. He shares humorous anecdotes about the Pope's supposed affection for the Chicago White Sox, including a nostalgic clip from a 2005 World Series game featuring Pope Leo.

Notable Quote:

"If we do get over there and do get to meet him, I'm still gonna treat him like my little brother. I'll give him a hug. I'll say, Rob, you idiot, what have you done?"
— Jimmy Fallon [04:43]

Additionally, Fallon announces ESPN's new streaming service, introducing ESPN creative director Matthew Farnham via satellite to discuss its naming rationale.

Notable Quote:

"So basically, I used the name of the network. There you go."
— Matthew Farnham [07:19]

3. Special Guests

a. Sofia Vergara: Actress and America's Got Talent Judge

Timestamp: [11:10] – [22:36]

Sofia Vergara returns to the show to promote Season 20 of America's Got Talent and her Broadway endeavors. The segment blends humor with heartfelt moments as Vergara discusses her role as a judge, the challenges of critiquing contestants, and her personal experiences balancing fame with family life.

Notable Quotes:

"He wants to kill me. Because sometimes he's, like, in Europe or he's, like, in a nightclub."
— Sofia Vergara [13:28]

A memorable part of their interaction involves a game where Vergara quizzes Fallon on Colombian phrases. The playful banter highlights their chemistry and cultural exchanges.

Notable Quote:

"Guayabo doesn't mean what a pain in the ass or what a good mom."
— Sofia Vergara [15:00]

b. Michael McKean: Emmy-Nominated Actor and Comedy Legend

Timestamp: [22:51] – [28:52]

Michael McKean joins the show to discuss his dual roles in the upcoming Spinal Tap sequel and the revival of David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross on Broadway. McKean delves into the creative process behind Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues, sharing insights into the enduring legacy of the cult classic and teasing exciting cameos, including a nod to Questlove's involvement.

Notable Quotes:

"We just wanted to get it finished. Oh, yeah, yeah. We had a tiny budget and we had no time..."
— Michael McKean [24:32]

He also highlights his Broadway experience, emphasizing the intense nature of performing in a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and reminiscing about past productions.

Notable Quote:

"It's about the smallest little pinpoint of American enterprise. It's selling crap real estate in Florida to people who live in Chicago."
— Michael McKean [28:04]

c. Maren Morris: Grammy-Winning Artist and New Album "Dreamsicle"

Timestamp: [29:02] – [35:07]

Maren Morris takes the spotlight to promote her latest album, Dreamsicle, and discuss her upcoming global tour. She shares the inspiration behind the album's 70s vibe, influenced by her mother's musical tastes, and details her collaboration with Jack Antonoff at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

Notable Quotes:

"I want to enjoy something in my hands while I have it and not, like, mourn it before it's melted away."
— Maren Morris [30:40]

Morris also opens up about her Golden Globe-nominated song "Kiss the Sky" from The Wild Robot, highlighting the emotional experience of watching the film with her young son.

Notable Quote:

"I had never written a song for a movie before. And then like, thank God it did really well."
— Maren Morris [31:12]

Her tour plans are equally ambitious, envisioning interactive elements like a working bar on stage to create unique experiences for each concert.

Notable Quote:

"We’re gonna figure it out... every night will be different."
— Maren Morris [33:06]

4. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: [34:06] – [35:07]

As the show wraps up, Fallon thanks his guests—Sofía Vergara, Michael McKean, and Maren Morris—highlighting their talents and contributions to their respective fields. He encourages viewers to tune into the showcased projects and albums, ending the episode on a high note with gratitude towards his audience.

Notable Quote:

"Good night, everybody. Thank you."
— Jimmy Fallon [34:21]

Key Takeaways:

• Political Humor: Fallon adeptly blends current events with humor, providing insightful yet entertaining commentary on Trump's actions and policy changes.

• Guest Highlights: The episode features a diverse lineup of guests from different entertainment spheres, each bringing unique stories and promotions that resonate with a wide audience.

• Engaging Interactions: The chemistry between Fallon and his guests, especially during interactive segments like games, adds a layer of relatability and amusement.

• Promotional Success: Each guest effectively utilizes their platform to promote upcoming projects, whether it's a Broadway play, a new album, or a beloved TV show, ensuring the audience remains informed and engaged.

This episode exemplifies The Tonight Show's ability to merge humor, current affairs, and celebrity interviews into a cohesive and entertaining experience for listeners and viewers alike.