The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Trump's Approval Rating Plummets to All-Time Low as Bacon Prices Skyrocket | Uma Thurman, Lee Byung-hun, HAIM
Air Date: June 17, 2025
Release Date: June 18, 2025

Opening Monologue

Uma Thurman takes the stage with Jimmy Fallon, delivering a sharp and humorous take on current events, blending political commentary with pop culture references.

• Trump's Approval Rating & Economic Woes:
  Uma opens with, “President Trump's approval rating just dropped to the lowest point of his second term.” She humorously connects this decline to soaring bacon prices:

  "It's cheaper to order Beluga caviar than a Wendy's Baconator. Yep, bacon is super expensive, but it's still not expensive enough for Americans to try turkey bacon."
  (02:00)

• Corporate Advertising Satire:
  Highlighting contrasting ads, Uma showcases In-N-Out Burger's positive portrayal of happy employees:

  "In N Out Burger is proud to have America's happiest employees."
  (02:21)
  She juxtaposes this with a satirical take on a Waffle House ad, emphasizing the absurdity:
  "Welcome to Waffle House, bitch. Forget a nine to five, you're working nine to survive."
  (02:41)

• 23andMe Controversy:
  Uma humorously critiques political figures' DNA revelations:

  "Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is 10% Norwegian and 90% Louisiana."
  (03:12)
  She continues with playful percentages for other officials, adding a light-hearted spin to a serious topic.

Interview with Uma Thurman

Uma Thurman discusses her latest projects and experiences in the film industry, offering insights into her career and upcoming roles.

• **Promotion of The Old Guard 2:
  Uma shares excitement about her new Netflix movie:

  "She stars in the new movie The Old Guard 2, which begins streaming on Netflix July 2nd."
  (05:37)
  She praises co-star Charlize Theron:
  "Charlize was just so epic in it. She's kind of taken the genre there."
  (08:56)

• Acting Challenges – Eating on Camera:
  Uma humorously admits her discomfort with eating scenes:

  "I don't like eating on camera... a lot of actors do eat. Brad Pitt is always eating an apple."
  (10:18)
  She likens it to facing neuroses, adding levity to the discussion of acting demands.

• Personal Anecdotes:
  Uma shares a heartfelt moment about being mistaken for Jodie Foster:

  "Someone walked up to me and they said, oh my God, are you Jodie Foster?"
  (07:15)
  She reflects on moving to New York as a teenager, expressing vulnerability and growth.

Conversation with Lee Byung-hun

International star Lee Byung-hun discusses his role in Squid Game and the cultural impact of the series.

• **Role in Squid Game:
  Lee explains his character as the mysterious Front Man:

  "Squid Game is a Korean story made by Korean director with Korean actors and Korean language."
  (14:04)
  He shares behind-the-scenes challenges:
  "It's very hard... I had to use my other senses. Like ninja. Like storm shadow in G.I. Joe."
  (17:27)

• Maintaining Secrecy:
  Lee recounts the secrecy involved in his role:

  "I had to keep it as a secret. So I didn't say to anybody, even my close friends and mom."
  (16:42)
  A touching moment occurs when his mother discovers his role post-release:
  "How could you not tell me?"
  (17:04)

• Family Impact:
  Lee humorously describes his son's misunderstanding of his character:

  "Why are you so mean?"
  (18:37)
  He reassures him:
  "That's a kid, right? That's kids for you."
  (19:21)

• Fan Engagement:
  During a playful Q&A segment with Uma, Lee responds to fan questions using interactive buttons, adding an engaging and entertaining element to the interview.

Performance and Segment with HAIM

The band HAIM joins the show to promote their new album "I Quit" and discuss their upcoming tour, blending music with humor.

• Album Promotion:
  HAIM enthusiastically promotes their latest work:

  "I Quit is out Friday. Everyone pre-order it right now on wherever you get your music."
  (24:02)

• Behind-the-Scenes Fun:
  The band engages in lighthearted banter with Jimmy and Uma, showcasing their camaraderie and playful personalities.

  "We're not quitting music."
  (27:35)

• Tour Insights:
  HAIM shares humorous details about their tour life:

  "We do the show. We order pizza, we snuggle, like gerbils, and we put on a movie."
  (28:08)
  They emphasize their rock star lifestyle with a comedic twist.

• Interactive Jam Session:
  Uma attempts to involve HAIM in a jam session using everyday items, leading to amusing moments:

  "Can you drum right now if I give you these sharpies?"
  (29:10)

Closing Remarks

Jimmy Fallon wraps up the episode by thanking all guests and promoting upcoming content:

• Final Shout-Outs:

  "Thank you so much. What was the first instrument you guys ever learned?"
  (28:48)
  He encourages listeners to subscribe and watch future episodes on NBC and Peacock.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Uma Thurman on Trump and Bacon Prices:

  "It's cheaper to order Beluga caviar than a Wendy's Baconator."
  (02:00)

• Uma Thurman on In-N-Out and Waffle House Ads:

  "In N Out Burger is proud to have America's happiest employees."
  (02:21)
  "Welcome to Waffle House, bitch. Forget a nine to five, you're working nine to survive."
  (02:41)

• Lee Byung-hun on Acting Challenges:

  "I have to use my other senses. Like ninja. Like storm shadow in G.I. Joe."
  (17:27)

• HAIM on Tour Life:

  "We do the show. We order pizza, we snuggle, like gerbils, and we put on a movie."
  (28:08)

• Uma Thurman on Mic Check Tradition:

  "When we were making this record, we would check the mic and go, I quit."
  (27:03)

Conclusion

This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon masterfully blends humor, current events, and engaging interviews with high-profile guests. Uma Thurman, Lee Byung-hun, and HAIM bring their unique perspectives and charisma, creating a dynamic and entertaining experience for both regular viewers and newcomers alike. From political satire and personal anecdotes to behind-the-scenes insights and musical performances, the episode offers a rich tapestry of content that highlights the versatility and appeal of Jimmy Fallon's hosting style.