Trump Bashes Biden in National Address | Caleb McLaughlin, Carmelo Anthony | Thursday, December 18

Summary

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Episode: Trump Bashes Biden in National Address | Caleb McLaughlin, Carmelo Anthony
Date: December 19, 2025
Guests: Caleb McLaughlin, Carmelo Anthony
Podcast Summary

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Episode Overview

This lively holiday episode blends Jimmy Fallon’s sharp monologue on current events, playful sketches, and engaging interviews with Caleb McLaughlin of Stranger Things and NBA legend Carmelo Anthony. The show’s festive spirit shines through as the guests discuss personal milestones, career reflections, and upcoming projects. The episode is punctuated with humor, celebrity banter, and holiday cheer.

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Main Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. Monologue: Trump’s National Address & Pop Culture Zingers

[01:07 - 02:16]

• Holiday Countdown: Fallon jokes about Christmas being a week away, quipping on Trump and Santa’s naughty list.
• Current Events Satire: Skewers Trump’s late-night national address and Biden jokes:

  "He opened by saying, good evening, America. Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess. And most Americans heard him. Like so did we." — Jimmy Fallon (01:35)

• Epstein Files: Lightly jokes about the upcoming release of Epstein files.
• Leonardo DiCaprio Tidbit: Jests about Leo never having watched Titanic, leading to a playful group exchange.

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2. Titanic Skit with Caleb McLaughlin and Carmelo Anthony

[02:16 - 03:32]

• Running Gag: James, portrayed as having seen Titanic "20,000 times," gives increasingly absurd plot summaries:

  "A but a boat runs into his ex girlfriend." — James (03:12)

• Fallon’s Quips: Continues riffing on the misremembered Titanic moments for laughs.

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3. Last-Minute Christmas Substitutions

[03:47 - 04:28]

• Holiday Hacks: Fallon offers witty last-minute gift substitutions, such as:
  • Squishing cherries into a meatloaf for a fruitcake replacement.
  • Using grandma’s pillbox as an Advent calendar.
  • Shaving a Furby’s face if you can’t find a Labubu.
• Lighthearted Tone: Keeps the segment fast and punchy, getting audience laughs.

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4. Holiday Music and Fallon’s New Christmas Album

[05:17 - 06:05]

• Album Plug: Fallon mentions his new album "Holiday Season" featuring collaborations with top artists.

  "If you download the sweater deluxe version... you also get my new single, 'ugly Sweater' with Carter Faith." — Jimmy Fallon (05:43)

• Holiday Banter: Playful remarks about SiriusXM’s holiday station, and the joys of holiday music.

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5. Family Holiday Story: Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer (Spoof)

[06:14 - 08:01]

• Comedy Bit: Fallon tells a tongue-in-cheek family holiday story about grandma’s wild Christmas Eve, parodying the song "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

  "She left. And guess what was there when she left? The medication. Grandma's medication was in. Yeah. But she staggered out the door. ... and when we found the body, there were hoof marks on her." — Jimmy Fallon (07:01)

• Twist Ending: Turns out grandma was "just taking a nap" and is totally fine.

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6. Interview: Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things, Style, and More)

[08:23 - 17:58]

First Solo Appearance & Reflection

• Fallon welcomes Caleb, reminiscing about his first appearance as a child star:

  "I couldn't wait to wear my bow tie on Jimmy Fallon." — Caleb McLaughlin (09:10)

• Discussion about growing up in the limelight and his newfound facial hair.
• Fashion Talk:
  • Esquire dubbed Caleb "style MVP" of Stranger Things.
  • Caleb shares that fashion is a personal expression, not a conscious effort for attention.

Red Carpet & Premiere Looks

• Reviews notable fashion moments:
  • London premiere ("felt like a prince")
  • Netflix Tudum event ("a lot of leg" — playful banter)
  • Appearance at the Met Gala, showing off his beard.

Upcoming Animated Film "Goat" (with Steph Curry)

• Caleb voices the protagonist; film features Steph Curry and the animation team behind Spider Verse.

  "As a kid, I looked up to Stephen Curry, so being able to work with him in this film is sick." — Caleb McLaughlin (12:40)

Stranger Things Final Season Reflections

• Emotional reaction to filming his last episode:

  "I've been on the show almost half my life...I don't really understand the feeling, honestly. I'm in limbo right now." — Caleb McLaughlin (13:30)

• Credits the Duffer Brothers for letting cast shape their own characters.
• Emphasizes pride and gratitude for the experience and cast:

  "They're my siblings for life...I learned Lucas first before I learned myself." — Caleb McLaughlin (15:45 & 15:50)

Episode Titles Word Association Game

• Fallon asks for a single-word reaction to each of the last four episodes:
  • Episode 5, "Shock Jock": "Electrifying" (16:39)
  • Episode 6, "Escape from Camazotz": "Adventurous" (16:58)
  • Episode 7, "The Bridge": "Connective" (17:11)
  • Finale, "The Right Side Up": "Zenith”

    "It means when something is at its most powerful point." — Caleb McLaughlin (17:47)

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7. Interview: Carmelo Anthony (Hall of Fame, Family, and Beyond)

[18:31 - 24:42]

Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

• Carmelo reflects on his induction:

  "It's surreal for me, being able to see it through my family's eyes and allow them to be there and appreciate that journey that we've all been through." — Carmelo Anthony (19:06)

• Shares what it feels like to be validated by peers and legends.

Family Focus: Son Kyan’s Basketball Journey

• Kyan has followed in Carmelo's footsteps, choosing Syracuse.
• Carmelo reminisces about Kyan as a child on the court, now watching him rise as a star.
• Candid about parenting and giving basketball advice ("I still study the game, man. I'm a student of the game." — 21:27).

New Chapter: NBA Analyst and House of Mello

• Carmelo enjoys his analyst job on NBC as it keeps him close to the game.
• Talks about "House of Mello," an exhibit at a major Baltimore library:

  "...the fans and the kids and families can get back into the library system...once I realized that knowledge is what I really need, then I took myself to the library." — Carmelo Anthony (22:10)

Knicks & NBA Talks

• Optimistic about the New York Knicks' championship chances:

  "I honestly believe that the Knicks has a legit shot at the NBA championship...I think you have to appreciate this moment." — Carmelo Anthony (23:05)

• Commentary on Karl Anthony Towns’s stellar play and the importance of celebrating present achievements.

Personal Touches

• Fallon and Carmelo toast with his signature wine "vin":

  "I want to cheers to you, Vin, in the basketball hall of fame. You are the best. Thank you for coming back to my show." — Jimmy Fallon (24:30)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Growing Up with Stranger Things:

  "I learned Lucas first before I learned myself. It's tricky, right? And now, like, his chapter is closing. I'm like, whoa, wait, Caleb has more." — Caleb McLaughlin (15:50)

• On Family and Legacy:

  "It's surreal for me, being able to see it through my family's eyes and allow them to be there and appreciate that journey." — Carmelo Anthony (19:06)

• On the Power of Libraries:

  "Once I realized that knowledge is what I really need, then I took myself to the library." — Carmelo Anthony (22:10)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Monologue & Biden Jokes: 01:07–02:16
• Titanic Comedy Skit: 02:16–03:32
• Last-Minute Christmas Gifts: 03:47–04:28
• Holiday Album Promo: 05:17–06:05
• Grandma Got Run Over Spoof: 06:14–08:01
• Caleb McLaughlin Interview: 08:23–17:58
• Carmelo Anthony Interview: 18:31–24:42

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Tone & Style

Playful, fast-paced, and heartwarming—characteristic of Fallon’s late night presence. Jokes land with ease, while interviews strike a genuine and personal tone. Celebrity guests are comfortable, candid, and often nostalgic.

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This episode delivers a festive blend of celebrity insight, holiday merriment, and classic Fallon humor—making it a treat whether you’re a "Stranger Things" superfan or a basketball buff.

Transcript

[Jimmy Fallon]

From Studio 6P in Rockefeller center in.

[Announcer]

The heart of New York City, it's.

[Jimmy Fallon]

The Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon. Tonight joins Jimmy and his guest, Caleb McLaughlin, Carmelo Anthony and the legendary Ruth. Screw Fred. We love you, man. And now here he is, Jimmy Fallon. That's what I'm talking about. Hi, everybody. Thank you very much. Enjoy yourself. Welcome, everybody. Welcome, welcome, welcome to the Tonight Show.

Hey, guys, this is a very exciting. Christmas is just a week away. One week away, that's right. Right now, Santa's making a list and Trump's frantically denying that he was on it. I wasn't on it. That's right. Tomorrow the full Epstein files are expected to be released. How do your families do it? Do you open the files at midnight or do you wait till the next morning? Meanwhile, last night, Trump addressed the nation in a televised speech from the White House. He opened by saying, good evening, America. Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess. And most Americans heard him. Like so did we. So, so did we. A large portion of the speech was spent bashing Joe Biden. Hey, word of advice. If you want Biden to hear you attacking him, don't. Don't do it after 9pm Just do it before Jeopardy. That's what I'm saying. Did you guys see this? In a new interview, Leonardo DiCaprio revealed that he's never actually seen Titanic. It's crazy to think that he's never seen one of his most classic movies. Isn't that crazy?

[Carmelo Anthony]

Yeah, I know.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It really is. I love that movie.

[Carmelo Anthony]

I've seen it so many times.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Right.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's nuts, right? Isn't it, James?

[James]

Totally. Yes. But on the other hand, I can imagine how there might be some good and decent people who have never seen Titanic. Not me, though. I love it very much. Anyway, you should move on with the show now.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You sure you've seen Titanic there, James?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yes, man.

[James]

I've seen it 20,000 times.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What's your favorite part?

[James]

Boat.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What does a boat run into?

[James]

And next? Girlfriend.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Finish this phrase. Draw me like one of your French fries. The famous song from the movie is My Heart will Stop. Describe the plot in a single sentence.

[James]

A but a boat runs into his ex girlfriend.

[Jimmy Fallon]

He definitely saw he saw a different movie.

Oh, wow.

We're moving on.

[Announcer]

We're moving on.

[Jimmy Fallon]

We're moving on. As I mentioned, we're one week away from Christmas. But if you haven't finished all of your shopping, it might be tough to find some items at last minute. But luckily we've got you covered. Take a look at some simple These are helpful Christmas substitutions. Okay, for instance, if you can't find fruitcake, you can squish some cherries into a meatloaf and call it a day. These are helpful substitutions. Next up, if you can't find an Advent calendar, well, you can fill your grandma's pillbox with candy. What's Thursday? Yeah, if you can't find a good gift for your Secret Santa, you can just ghost them. They'll never know it was you. And finally, if you can't find a Labubu, you can shave a Furby's face and hope your kids are stupid. There you go.

We have a drink show everybody. Get it out for the roots.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Right there.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You know what it is? The Legends of Behalf.

Oh, what a show. What a absolute great show we have for you tonight.

He stars in the final season of Stranger Things. Volume two streams Christmas Day, and the finale premieres New Year's Eve on Netflix.

Caleb McLaughlin is here tonight.

Lucas. Plus, he's an NBA All Star, Olympic gold medalist, and studio analyst for the NBA on NBC. And this year, he was inducted into the Basketball hall of Fame.

Carmelo Anthony is joining us tonight.

[Announcer]

My fave.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Hey, speaking of holiday music, by the way, I have a Christmas album out called Holiday Season. It's got all your favorite artists on there, duetting with me, the Jonas Brothers on this, Meghan Trainor, Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Dolly Parton. The Ruths are on this. And if you download the sweater deluxe version. Ooh.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You also get my new single, ugly Sweater with Carter Faith.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ooh.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And if you don't have any of that stuff, you can listen to holiday music on SiriusXM, channel 15 holiday seasoning radio. It's great. I love the holidays. Oh, never mind. What?

What?

[Announcer]

No. What?

[Jimmy Fallon]

What's that?

[Announcer]

What?

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're gonna. No, no, no, no, no.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

It's all good.

[Jimmy Fallon]

No, I. I have fun. I have fun. It's just.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh. You all right?

[Announcer]

What? What's wrong?

[Jimmy Fallon]

I didn't tell you. What happened?

[Announcer]

No.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, we can stop the cameras from rolling if you want.

[Announcer]

What happened?

[Jimmy Fallon]

No, you can turn the cameras off. I don't want to. I don't want to. Really. Well, just.

[Announcer]

Did something happen?

[Jimmy Fallon]

No. It was Christmas Eve, right? We're having a great time. Grandma was there. Grandma. Everybody. Grandpa was there, and Grandma just got sloshed. Sloshed?

[Announcer]

I thought she said she wasn't going to be sloshed. I thought she said she was off the saw.

[Jimmy Fallon]

No, she was. She was sneaking booze into the eggnog. Oh, God, she had too much eggnog. And we were begging her, like, on my knees. I was like, don't leave. She left. And guess what was there when she left? The medication. Grandma's medication was in. Yeah. But she staggered out the door.

[Announcer]

Oh, my God.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Anyway.

[Announcer]

And what happened? No, what happened to her?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Oh, when we found the body, There were. There were hoof marks on her.

[Announcer]

Oh, no, no.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, yeah. Like animal hoof marks.

[Announcer]

Animal hoof marks in her?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, on her back. I mean. Oh, my God. She was topless, by the way, so we could see. Awful. Not the front. Not the front. Not the front, but the back of her. Right. I could knew it was grandma. Cause her wig. Did she run over her wig. My grandma got run over by a reindeer.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

When?

Where? Christmas Eve, walking from our house. I don't even know if I believe in Santa anymore.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, come on.

[Announcer]

What did my grandpa say?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Better talk to my grandpa.

[Announcer]

What did he say?

[Jimmy Fallon]

We believe. We still believe. I believe in Santa. I love it. Turns out she was fine.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Really?

[Jimmy Fallon]

She was just taking a nap.

She left her dentures.

She's just taking a nap. She's totally fine.

[Announcer]

Don't worry about it. She got run over.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Totally fine. Yes. So. Yeah. So I'll see her next week.

We'll be right back with more Tonight show, everybody. Our first guest is a very talented.

Actor who stars in the final season of Stranger Things. Sorry. Things. Stranger Things, Volume 2 premieres Christmas Day and the finale premieres New Year's Eve on Netflix. Please welcome Caleb McLaughlin. Looking good.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Caleb, is this the first time you're on by yourself?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. First time solo. Usually you're with the gang.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Usually with the gang. This is my first time sitting here. Thank you so much.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Thank you for coming back. You were here 10 years ago.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

10 years ago.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, here you are. Look at this. This is my favorite. Look at you in the bow tie right there. Come on. What do you remember about this appearance?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

I couldn't wait to wear my bow tie on Jimmy Fallon.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Is that right?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Cause prior to that, like, my mom always used to have these different bow ties. Like, different styled bow ties. And I would wear them to, like, events that I did on Broadway. And I was like, oh, now I'm gonna actually wear it where a lot of people could see it. And Jimmy Fallon's gonna see it. It. So.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, that was. That's a memory. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And I mean, you were a kid here. Now you have facial hair. I mean, you have a. You might. I think you're the first Stranger Things cast member to have facial hair on the show.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

On the. Yes, definitely. Wow.

[Jimmy Fallon]

This is a big deal for us.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

I know. I know.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're growing up right before me.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, Yeah, I know. It's.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Is it easy for you to grow a beard and.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, yeah, it is, actually. Which is strange. I didn't want it to be. I actually like the clean shade look.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Oh, it's so hard for me. It takes me three years to grow. Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Well, because. Do you. Do you experience ingrown hairs? Because that's what happens with me. Like, the reason why I found out I can grow a beard is because of the ingrown hairs. It's not like, oh, I wanted to grow a beard. It was like, you have to get.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Out of that phase. Yeah. Because it was like, sometimes my beard goes in red.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And then I'm turned into a leprechaun, and I have to go give gold to rainbows. And it's very busy. I don't like doing it.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

That's funny.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Ah, thank you, bud. Yeah, but you've been. Dude, you've been crushing on Stranger Things.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And every time you show up somewhere, you look fantastic. Your fashion sense is on point.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

But thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

In fact. And really, thank you. In fact, Esquire magazine just recently said Kayla McLaughlin has become the style MVP of Stranger Things.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Come on. Thank you. That's a lot.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You've always been in fashion. I mean, you got that nice brooch.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

You look stylish. Thank you. Yeah, Yeah. I mean, I've been into fashion before, you know, I guess being in the public's eye, I think fashion is a way I express myself and how I feel.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Dress down, dress up. You know, it's just what I. It's not what I'm trying to do. It's just like what I'm doing. Yeah. It's like a feeling.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. You're feeling. I thought it'd be kind of fun, if you don't mind, to maybe look at some of your looks and maybe think about what you were going through. This is the recent London premiere of Stranger Things. Who's this guy?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ah, nice.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Looking good.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thanks. Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Thank you. What are you rocking there? Do you remember?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah. Joshua Cain.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And what were you feeling that way you always felt?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

I felt like a prince, honestly.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

That was like, the whole, I think the chivalry vibe I feel that Lucas has, so I was representing his spirit.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You are chivalrous.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yes, I do feel that.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

All right. I'm Loving this. How about the Netflix to Doom 2025, the live event? Look at that.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Show.

[Jimmy Fallon]

A little leg right there.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, So a little leg.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, a lot of legs.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, Yeah, a lot of leg.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're showing a lot of leg there. Yeah, that one just kind of went for.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

You just went for it.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You know, I was like, ah, you thought it was gonna be hot. Maybe that night you're gone.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, it was actually was really hot that day too.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Say perfect. Wear to wear.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

It's perfect.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, you look good. And then this is you at the Met gala. Come on now.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ah, there's the beard.

[Jimmy Fallon]

There you go.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

There's the full beard. Yep, yep.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Looking quite dapper, by the way, right there. Thank you.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you. Yeah, that was fun.

[Carmelo Anthony]

That was a lot of fun.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Before we get into the final season of Stranger Things, you have a movie coming out in February that we wanted to mention. And since we have Carmelo Anthony on, this movie is an animated film called Goat.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And it's about basketball.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yes, it is.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yes, yes. And you're the voice and Steph Curry's involved.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, he's in it and is producing it. And it's with the same artist that did K Pop, Demon Hunters and Spider Verse.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Come on, bud.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, yeah. Come on, bud. It's really exciting because, I mean, I mean, honestly, as a kid, I look up. I looked up to Stephen Curry, so being able to work with him in this film is sick. I've been involved, immersed into the project for about two years now, so now it's finally about to come out.

[Jimmy Fallon]

All right, coming out February. Come on now. Congratulations.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

But we gotta talk.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Final season, Stranger Things.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's kind of weird for me because I'm. Gonna. Next time you come on the show, we'll be talking about some.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Something else.

[Jimmy Fallon]

We'll be talking about Stranger Things. We might mention it.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

We might mention it. Yeah. How can we not mention it?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Because we, like. You move on.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

You move on.

[Jimmy Fallon]

New chapter.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

All good things.

[Jimmy Fallon]

After the last episode, after the yelled cut, I mean, that's. How'd you feel? Was it emotional?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

So emotional. I mean, it's. It's. I've been on the show almost half my life, and it's part of my formative years, so something I can never say. I can't really. I don't really understand the feeling, honestly. I'm in limbo right now. Like, oh, is that like your family?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Your family to you?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

I mean, the crew and everybody.

[Jimmy Fallon]

The Duffers, Everybody.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

The Duffers everyone. It's family for life. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, I know. You're. You gotta be very proud of what you did.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, it's. I'm. It's like proud is a cause. It's like. It doesn't feel like work.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It doesn't like you're proud of, like.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, I did this. But it's like. It's just more like. It feels like high school, like, middle school, college.

[Carmelo Anthony]

You just did it.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

You just did it. It's like, yeah, yeah. You know what I mean? As a kid. Now I'm a man, I guess, right?

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. So you are. You definitely are.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Nice young man.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You are a nice young man. You are. I know. We can never give spoilers, and you've been very good at not giving spoilers. No, we won't do it tonight, but tell me what happens in the finale.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ooh.

[Jimmy Fallon]

No, but were you happy with. How about that? Were you happy with the finale?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, you know, it's. People always ask me that, and I'm happy with the experience because of the story. Like, I auditioned for the role.

[Jimmy Fallon]

That's right.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

It's not about me. It's not about, oh, what do I want Lucas to do? It's. The Duffers created this amazing story that a lot of people could relate to, and I'm happy with the story and how it ended. I don't want people to think I'm not happy with Lucas ending or whatever, but I am, because the story is so good, and I can't wait for everyone to finish watching the rest of the series.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You have such a great arc in the show, and. Fantastic.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Thank you. And we had the Duffers on the show, and they were saying. I said, how do you cast these talented kids? How do you know that they can do all this? And they go, we actually changed the characters based on who we cast.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

They're like, we love Caleb McLaughlin. Like, we loved Finn Wolfhard. They all just had, you know, Millie, Bobby Brown. They were just cool kids. And we're like, yo, these are cool kids. Like, different versions, different vibes going on. And, like, this is. And we put everyone together. I'm like, in Gaten. Yeah. I mean, everybody was like, this is the perfect cast. You know, Noah, it's just well done, man.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Everyone's so talented. I love them so much. They're my siblings for life. And.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Like, I think about it now, where I felt like I learned Lucas first before I learned myself. It's tricky, right?

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

And now, like, his chapter is closing. I'm like, whoa, wait, Caleb has more.

[Jimmy Fallon]

To go now I gotta actually do more about him. You got a lot more to go, bud. Yeah, a lot more to go. And you're gonna keep going and hopefully you keep coming back on our show. Of course, of course. We did this thing with Finn the other night where I asked him, I told him the title of the episodes of the last. The last four episodes. No, he said one word to each sum up each episode. Okay, okay. And I was just wondering if you want to play the same game.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Let's do it.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I can tell you what he said too.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

All right, ready? So volume two.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Okay.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Episode five is called Shock Jock.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Okay. Finn said the word. Crispy.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Ah, nice.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What do you say?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

I say electrifying.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Episode 6, Escape from Camazot. Finn said, shocking. What's your one word reaction to episode six, Escape from Camazotz?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Adventurous. Ooh, yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Adventurous.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Announcer]

I love that.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Episode seven, the Bridge. Finn said, enlightening. What do you say to that?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Connective. I love this music.

[Jimmy Fallon]

This is good.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Let's keep it going.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What music? There is no music playing.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, yeah, there's no music.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's just in your head.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, yeah, it's just in my head.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah. No music's playing.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Fast forward to the movie.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, exactly. Volume three, episode eight, the series finale, the Right side Up. Finn said, emotional. Your one word reaction to the finale.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Zenith.

[Jimmy Fallon]

What?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

That's a good one.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah. I have to tell everybody what it means, though.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You can't tell me what it means.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, I can say that because everyone probably. Yo, that's a dope word. And I say it all the time. I've been saying it since I was a kid. I've said it on set. It means when something is at its most powerful point. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Zenith. Yeah.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah. I love that word.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's a great word.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah, I say it all the time.

[Jimmy Fallon]

This could be your word from now on.

Caleb McLaughlin, everybody. Volume two of Stranger Things 5 begins streaming Christmas Day and the finale premieres New Year's Eve on Netflix. Carmelo Anthony joins us after the break. Stick around, everybody. Our next guest is a 10 time.

NBA All Star, a three time Olympic gold medalist and a studio analyst for the NBA on NBC. He's also a brand new member of the Basketball hall of Fame. Please welcome Carmelo Anthony.

Carmelo, welcome back.

You're a stud. Looking great as always, my friend. Thank you for coming back to the show.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yes.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Let's talk about this. You're in the Basketball hall of fame.

[Carmelo Anthony]

I am.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Congratulations.

[Carmelo Anthony]

It's a beautiful thing, man. It's surreal for me, being able to see it through my family's eyes and allow them to be there and appreciate that journey that we've all been through.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I mean, but you kind of went through it and you kind of. Here. You are here.

[Carmelo Anthony]

That's a beautiful pick right there.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Shout out to AI.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Shout out to D. Wayne, my brothers, man.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade. Yeah. I mean. Cause you're playing, so you don't. I don't even know how that. In your head, you go like, oh, I know, I played well. You're one of the greatest. You're like, well, but now you're in the hall of Fame and you're around other hall of Famers.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Absolutely.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Did you get to meet other hall of Famers? And look around?

[Carmelo Anthony]

I mean, it's a Hall of Fame weekend, so you have the hall of Famers that's already been inducted. They got their jacket. This is their moment, too. This is their weekend, too. But for me, it was just like looking over in the room outside of my family, being able to see the legends that I grew up watching and just over there, and they clapping and they give you that look. It's a different look that an athlete give you that a basketball player give you. And that means you're valid.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah.

[Carmelo Anthony]

So I got valid. I got validated.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

He did it. Well deserved.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And how's your son, Kyan?

[Carmelo Anthony]

He's good, man. I actually just came back. I was up Syracuse yesterday, man.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And, dude, last time we were here, we were talking about Cam. Where's he gonna. Where's he gonna play? Cause I.

[Carmelo Anthony]

He made the right choice.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, he did. Yeah. You think so? Yeah, yeah, yeah. In my head, I'm like, he better go to Syracuse.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Yeah, me too.

[Jimmy Fallon]

But. Yeah, yeah, but, man, he's. He's the best. You know, we've known each other. I used to go watch you play, and Kyan would be running on the court, six years old, seven year old when he was a kid, and I used to sit next to him and like, he was the nicest kid. And now to see him being, like a superstar here for series.

[Carmelo Anthony]

He's doing his thing, man.

[Jimmy Fallon]

He's the best. I love you, Kyan. Shout out, buddy. Absolutely, man. And do you give him tips? Do you get up and yell stuff? And. Cause I sat next to you during the Olympics and you were telling.

[Carmelo Anthony]

I was caught up in a moment in the Olympics, the competitive.

[Jimmy Fallon]

No, dude, you were telling LeBron, what to do. You were telling everybody, get rid of that, but go block him.

[Carmelo Anthony]

That was hot.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I was the best person to sit next to was you, because you were just going for it. And they were all looking at you and you're like, yeah. You were yelling out plays.

What are you doing?

[Carmelo Anthony]

I still study the game, man. I'm a student of the game. It helps being on NBC that I could pay attention and watch the games.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You like doing this? Now you're an analyst for NBC NBA?

[Carmelo Anthony]

Yeah, I do. It's different in a way. It's less ice after the games and more.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, yeah.

[Carmelo Anthony]

It's more opinions and it allows me to, you know, stay a student of the game. And as a fan of the game, as a student of the game, the love of the game don't change whether you speak in the game or whether you playing it. You grew up.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Is it Baltimore?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yep.

[Jimmy Fallon]

And in Baltimore, there's a library. Here you go. Look at the library here in Baltimore. It gave you your own exhibit, the House of Mello. Where is this now?

[Carmelo Anthony]

So this is actually downtown Baltimore city, man. This is one of the biggest free libraries in America. And I really wanted to, you know, just create this house of mellow where, you know, the fans and the kids and families can get back into the library system. And looking at the library system and going in there and enjoying it and reading, because that's what I went through, you know, once I realized that, you know, knowledge is what I really need, then I took myself to the library.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Dude, that's so cool that you. That's crazy, right?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Absolutely.

[Carmelo Anthony]

So shout out to Baltimore for that, man. The city is this. It's exciting times over there, especially with that. With that exhibit.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It's exciting here in New York City, too, because our Knicks. Yes. Come on, bud. The Knicks, they just won the NBA Cup. The NBA's in season tournament. What are you thinking? Do we have a chance?

[Carmelo Anthony]

I honestly believe that the Knicks has a legit shot at the NBA championship. At least get in there and then they will have to compete, you know, I think with okc. But you know, what we're seeing with the Knicks, man, is they're building, they're growing, they're getting more comfortable with each other. They playing tougher than they was early in the season. So I love to see where they at right now. And again, I know a lot of people talk about the in season tournament cup, and should they raise the banner. I think you have to appreciate this moment. Like, let's appreciate all the wins that we have that we come across because years from now, this in season, you know, tournament, this cup will be major. It will be, you know, a major part of the NBA.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It will, right.

[Carmelo Anthony]

You know, I just think we should appreciate the wins that we have right now and be graceful about that.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Karl Anthony, he makes three pointers from like half court.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Now, listen, I love the energy of what I'm seeing from Kat right now.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Right.

[Carmelo Anthony]

It seems like he turned over a new page and he's gotten comfortable in what, you know, coach Mike brown wanted him to do and he's showing that.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Yeah, I love it. You know, last time you were here, you're always very generous with me. You always give me gifts.

[Carmelo Anthony]

We get gifts.

[Jimmy Fallon]

You always give me gifts. You gave me some great gifts backstage.

[Carmelo Anthony]

We gonna keep that for backstage.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Okay, good. But you gave me. You have your own wine called.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Called vin.

[Carmelo Anthony]

Absolutely.

[Jimmy Fallon]

This is the wine right here.

[Carmelo Anthony]

It's open already?

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Well.

[Jimmy Fallon]

It'S open for a reason.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Oh, okay.

[Jimmy Fallon]

I just figured me and you. I want to cheers to you, Vin, in the basketball hall of fame. You are the best. Thank you for coming back to my show. I love you, dude. You're one of my all time faves. Cheers. Best of luck to you.

[Caleb McLaughlin]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Welcome Carmelo Anthony, everybody. NBA coverage on NBC returns next week. More tonight show after the break. Stick around. Happy holidays. Merry Christmas, everybody. Give it up for the roots right there. Good night, everybody. Thank you, Fred.

[Announcer]

Thanks for listening to the tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon. Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes weekday mornings. Wherever you get your podcasts, Watch the tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon weeknights on NBC and streaming on peacock.