The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | Episode Summary

Episode: Trump Calls Reporter “Piggy”; House Votes to Release Epstein Files | Ariana Grande, Josh Hutcherson
Air Date: November 19, 2025
Guests: Ariana Grande, Josh Hutcherson
Special Appearance: Corey Billingsley as Costco’s lawyer (comedy sketch)

Main Theme & Purpose

This lively Tonight Show episode strikes its signature blend of sharp political satire, celebrity conversation, and playful sketches. Jimmy Fallon’s monologue digs into the House vote to release the Epstein files and former President Trump’s headline-grabbing insult to a reporter, before pivoting to lighthearted pop culture moments. Extended couch interviews spotlight Ariana Grande’s starring turn in the new "Wicked" film and Josh Hutcherson’s retrospective on "The Hunger Games" and his new series "I Love LA," with signature games and witty banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Monologue: Political Headlines and Satire

• Epstein Files Vote:
  • The House voted overwhelmingly to release Epstein files:
    • “The final vote was 427-1. I mean, it just goes to show, every office has that one weirdo.” (01:51)
  • Jokes about Trump potentially destroying evidence as white smoke rises from the Oval Office:
    • “White smoke emerged from the Oval Office chimney 'cause Trump started burning them.” (01:31)
• Trump–Reporter Incident:
  • Trump, aboard Air Force One, called a reporter “Piggy.”
    • “He called the reporter Piggy. But after the Epstein vote, she was feeling like…” (02:49)
  • Fallon quips about Trump’s hostile style:
    • “They don’t even talk to you like that on Spirit Airlines!” (02:49)
• Cultural & Business Headlines:
  • Meta ruled not a monopoly, internet outage knocks out ChatGPT, Butterball CEO update, and a Costco tequila lawsuit.
  • Humorous sketch with “Costco’s chief legal counsel” (Corey Billingsley) pokes fun at store-brand products and legal evasiveness.
    • “We sell a lot of stuff, Jimmy. That doesn't mean you should buy it.” (05:08)

2. Ariana Grande Interview: “Wicked for Good” and SNL Co-Hosting

• Wicked Movie:
  • Grande discusses filming both "Wicked" movies at once, challenges of emotional continuity, and the joy of a classic premiere.
    • “In my head, they’re both one story and one experience.” (11:26)
    • “I’m grateful that they did [split it into two films], because you really get to expand on Glinda’s story.” (11:50)
  • Praises director Jon M. Chu:
    • “He’s truly the best there is. And his choices in this are so, so beautiful.” (12:09)
• Personal and Funny Moments:
  • Grande expresses excitement and nervousness about co-hosting SNL’s holiday episode with Cher:
    • “I didn’t know it was gonna be her until like two days before... What an honor.” (08:35)
  • Description of the technical Mirror Scene and “Girl in the Bubble” sequence, emphasizing both choreography and emotional performance.
    • “It was a really intricate dance that we had to do for Girl in the Bubble.” (14:17)
• Behind the Scenes:
  • Discussing the fluidity of shooting schedule and improvisations—how moments from rehearsal shaped the film:
    • “So many of the choices that you tried don’t end up in the final edit... the audience, you would get to see how that would happen in real time.” (12:50)
  • Tips on filming practical effects:
    • “Most of it is practical. And our special effects team is the most incredible.” (13:41)
• Wand Skills, Bloopers and Banter:
  • Fallon and Grande joke about wand choreography, failed twirls, and outtake-worthy moments.
    • “It got caught in my wig a few times.” – Ariana Grande (15:36)

3. Josh Hutcherson Interview: “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” and “I Love LA”

• Early Ties to Ariana Grande:
  • Hutcherson recalls connecting with a young Grande through mutual friends:
    • “She one day told me, you know, I’m a really good singer… I can do, like, the Mariah Carey whistle. I was like, really? … And she does the whole dolphin voice thing.” (17:51)
• "The Hunger Games" Retrospective:
  • Fond (and funny) look back at the franchise and friendship with Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth:
    • “It was utter chaos… It’s a miracle that we made any days, really.” (19:06)
  • Describes the experience as ‘college’ for him:
    • “It was like four years, 18 to 22—didn’t learn anything. Useless degree. I didn’t go into debt though.” (19:39)
• Current Projects & Pop Culture:
  • The “Josh Hutcherson Renaissance,” working in multiple genres.
    • “I can confirm that. I feel like I’m in a little bit of a renaissance.” (20:20)
• Five Nights at Freddy’s 2:
  • Hutcherson promises a scarier, jumpier sequel:
    • “It’s all been cranked up. It’s a lot more jump scares. It’s darker, more intense. It’s great.” (21:04)
  • Megan Fox voices Chica:
    • “And it’s like this sweet Megan Fox voice inside of like a seemingly nice little animatronic.” (21:47)
  • On set life with animatronic co-stars:
    • “There’s guys inside there… Pop the head off, have a smoke break. It’s like—Johnny, how you doing?” (21:22)
• "I Love LA":
  • Hutcherson geeks out over massive, strategic board games—especially Twilight Imperium:
    • “The shortest round I’ve ever played was nine hours.” (22:23)
    • Gives Fallon a crash course in board game terminology, parodying his own nerdery:
      • “Have you ever played as a Sardak Nor trying to capture Mekkah Rex rolling decahedrons to…?” (22:38)
  • Discusses chemistry with Rachel Sennott, her talents, and the show’s concept:
    • “She wears all the hats… She brought a bunch of amazing actors, writers, and directors to bring this thing to life.” (25:01)
    • Describes show as if “Entourage and Girls had a baby, with Seinfeld sprinkled in.”* (25:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Political Roast:
  • “Every office has that one weirdo.” – Jimmy Fallon on the House Epstein vote (01:51)
  • “They don’t even talk to you like that on Spirit Airlines!” – Jimmy Fallon on Trump’s insult (02:49)
• Grande’s SNL Excitement:
  • “I almost passed out… What an honor.” – Ariana Grande on learning she’d co-host with Cher (08:40)
• Movie Magic:
  • “It was a really intricate dance that we had to do for Girl in the Bubble.” – Ariana Grande (14:17)
• Behind-the-Scenes Fun:
  • “It got caught in my wig a few times.” – Ariana Grande re: Mortal Kombat-like wand fight (15:36)
  • “Let me show you a picture of my kids.” – Jimmy Fallon, spoofing casual animatronic on-set chat (21:29)
• Board Game Nerdery:
  • “Have you ever played as a Sardak Nor trying to capture Mekkah Rex rolling decahedrons…?” – Josh Hutcherson (22:38)
• Describing “I Love LA”:
  • “It’s kind of like if Entourage and Girls had a little baby, with Seinfeld sprinkled in.” – Josh Hutcherson (25:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Time | |-------------------------------|-----------| | Monologue & Political Satire | 01:12–06:23 | | Costco Tequila Sketch | 04:29–06:00 | | Ariana Grande Interview | 07:32–16:39 | | Ariana’s SNL Surprise (Cher) | 08:28–09:00 | | Grande on Filming "Wicked" | 10:31–15:39 | | Grande on Movie Magic | 13:41–14:35 | | Hutcherson on Meeting Grande | 17:51–18:28 | | "Hunger Games" Retrospective | 18:34–19:47 | | “Josh Hutcherson Renaissance” | 20:04–20:28 | | Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 | 20:41–21:55 | | Board Game & “I Love LA” | 22:12–24:49 | | Rachel Sennott & Show Concept | 25:01–25:42 |

Conclusion

This Tonight Show installment is a spirited, well-paced blend of political puns and pop showbiz sparkle. Fallon’s monologue tackles the Trump/Epstein headlines with jokes that walk the edge of late-night. Ariana Grande’s segment doubles as both promotion for "Wicked for Good" and a showcase of her comedic chemistry with Fallon, full of heartfelt, candid chat and light improvisation. Josh Hutcherson’s segment highlights fan nostalgia, geek culture, genre versatility, and the quirky ethos of his new HBO series. For listeners looking for political laughs, pop culture insights, or just a joyous celebrity hangout, this episode delivers with witty warmth.