The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – April 1, 2025

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Host: Jimmy Fallon (NBC Universal)
• Guests: Kevin Bacon, Amanda Peet, Louis McCartney, Preacher Lawson
• Special Mention: Legendary Ruth Kurt

Monologue: April Fool’s Day and Political Satire

Timestamp: 00:05 - 04:18

Jimmy Fallon kicked off the episode from Studio 6P at Rockefeller Center, highlighting the night’s theme centered around April Fool's Day. He humorously addressed the day’s significance, emphasizing the blend of real and spoof news that April Fool’s often brings.

Fallon delved into current political news, particularly focusing on President Trump's announcement of sweeping new tariffs dubbed "Liberation Day." He contrasted this with the stock market’s cynical take, referring to it as "Inebriation Day."

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Bacon's one-word response: “2118.” [00:26]
• Fallon on Trump’s tariffs: “Trump's calling tomorrow Liberation Day while every stockbroker is calling it Inebriation Day.” [02:10]

Fallon humorously portrayed the negative impact of these tariffs on various businesses:

• Sony: "Tariffs are going to hurt our business. Trump's plan will mean that TVs, headphones, and cameras will cost more for consumers." [01:30]
• Honda: "The tariffs will make cars more expensive and our business will suffer." [01:35]
• Radio Shack: "The tariffs are why we have fallen on hard times suddenly." [01:45]

He continued with a satirical take on Trump's executive order to halt price gouging on concert tickets, juxtaposing it with a simultaneous recall of egg beaters contaminated with cleaning solution—a nod to classic April Fool's pranks.

Transitioning into business news, Fallon joked about the retirement of the CEO overseeing Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell, playfully linking it to the flying of flags at half-mast at the White House.

In sports, Fallon referenced the New York Yankees' record-tying 15 home runs in three days, introducing the topic of controversial new "Torpedo bats" allegedly giving players an unfair advantage.

Kevin Bacon on "The Bondsman"

Timestamp: 04:18 - 07:02

Kevin Bacon, a Golden Globe winner, joined Jimmy Fallon to discuss his new series, "The Bondsman," premiering on Prime Video. Bacon shared insights into his character—a bail bondsman who, after being murdered, returns to life to work for the devil, hunting demons.

Notable Quotes:

• Bacon on the show's premise: "I play a guy who is working as a bail bondsman, but I'm an ex-musician. I haven’t picked up the guitar in like 15 years... I realize that I’ve gone to hell and back." [14:35]
• Fallon praising Bacon: "Kevin Bacon is here tonight and he always brings it. He's the best." [05:00]

Bacon recounted nostalgic moments from past sketches with Fallon and Preacher Lawson, reminiscing about their collaborative history since 2015. Their camaraderie and long-standing partnership were evident, highlighting memorable sketches like "Blowing in the Wind with Kira Sedgwick" and tributes to legends like John Belushi.

Amanda Peet on "You, Friends and Neighbors"

Timestamp: 16:07 - 22:19

Amanda Peet appeared to discuss her new series, "You, Friends and Neighbors," set to premiere on Apple TV on April 11th. The conversation veered into personal anecdotes, particularly focusing on April Fool’s Day pranks and her enduring marriage.

Notable Quotes:

• Peet on her April Fool’s prank: "The best prank was being set up on a blind date with my husband by this lovely writer named Peter Blake." [16:58]
• Fallon congratulating Peet: "Congratulations on the award. This is your first movie in almost 10 years." [21:05]

Peet shared a heartwarming story about how her husband, David, was set up on a blind date through a prank email on April Fool’s Day, which ultimately led to a 20-year marriage and three children. She humorously recounted moments of parenting teenage daughters and the dynamics of keeping peace at home.

Peet also discussed her new Apple TV series, detailing her role as the ex-wife of a finance bro turned robber. The show, already renewed for a second season, promises suspense and familial drama intertwined with subtle humor.

Louis McCartney on Broadway’s "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"

Timestamp: 22:19 - 28:47

Irish actor Louis McCartney joined the show to discuss his role as Henry Creel in the Broadway production, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow," currently playing at the Marquis Theater. McCartney described the production as a prequel, offering fans a deeper dive into the lore of the beloved series.

Notable Quotes:

• McCartney on landing the role: "I did a bunch of self-tapes... I bombed an audition but then got called back and nailed it." [25:22]
• Fallon on the show’s secrecy: "If you're a fan of Stranger Things, you'll love the show. It has a bunch of little Easter eggs." [26:29]

He detailed his experience auditioning for the role under the direction of Stephen Daldry, sharing the nerve-wracking yet rewarding journey to landing the part. McCartney also provided behind-the-scenes insights into developing his character's iconic Vecna voice, highlighting the vocal techniques cultivated with his dialect coach.

Louis expressed his enthusiasm for New York City, sharing his favorite spots like Pop's Pizza, and recounted amusing interactions with locals dressed as characters from the show. Fallon and McCartney shared a lighthearted moment where Fallon attempted the Vecna voice with Louis’s guidance, adding a playful element to the segment.

Preacher Lawson on Comedy and Family Tour

Timestamp: 28:47 - 35:00

Comedian Preacher Lawson concluded the episode with insights into his comedy career and ongoing dysfunctional family tour alongside his mother and brother. Lawson recounted his experiences of both triumphs and challenges in stand-up comedy, emphasizing the importance of resilience.

Notable Quotes:

• Lawson on comedy struggles: "Sometimes people don't laugh. Sometimes a lot of people don't laugh." [30:00]
• Bacon sharing a family story: “Why you think my booty's so big? It's swollen.” [31:00]

Lawson shared a particularly memorable experience of being booed during a performance, illustrating the highs and lows of performing live. His storytelling highlighted the unpredictable nature of comedy and the essential role of audience engagement.

He also paid tribute to his comedic roots, humorously discussing his brother Justin's influence on his style and the dynamics of their family’s humor. The segment encapsulated the essence of live comedy, showcasing Lawson’s ability to turn challenging situations into relatable and funny anecdotes.

Closing Remarks

Jimmy Fallon wrapped up the episode by thanking all guests—Kevin Bacon, Amanda Peet, Louis McCartney, and Preacher Lawson—for their appearances. He encouraged listeners to engage with the Tonight Show through various platforms, promoting upcoming episodes and the latest content available on NBC and Peacock.

Conclusion: This episode of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" offered a blend of political satire, heartfelt interviews, and comedic storytelling. From Johnny’s engaging monologue on April Fool’s Day and political antics to in-depth conversations with notable guests like Kevin Bacon and Amanda Peet, the show provided a comprehensive and entertaining experience. Louis McCartney’s insights into the Broadway adaptation of "Stranger Things" added a touch of theatrical excitement, while Preacher Lawson’s humorous recounting of his comedy tour underscored the resilience required in the entertainment industry. Overall, the episode maintained a lively and engaging atmosphere, ensuring that both regular viewers and newcomers found plenty to enjoy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Kevin Bacon: “2118.” [00:26]
• Fallon: “Trump's calling tomorrow Liberation Day while every stockbroker is calling it Inebriation Day.” [02:10]
• Peet: “The best prank was being set up on a blind date with my husband by this lovely writer named Peter Blake.” [16:58]
• McCartney: “I did a bunch of self-tapes... I bombed an audition but then got called back and nailed it.” [25:22]
• Lawson: “Sometimes people don't laugh. Sometimes a lot of people don't laugh.” [30:00]

For More: Stay tuned to "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" for more episodes broadcasted on weeknights on NBC and available for streaming on Peacock. Subscribe to the podcast to receive the latest episodes weekday mornings across your favorite platforms.