Last week, following a heartfelt, political monologue on his newborn son’s health issues, Jimmy Kimmel Live’s eponymous host was off on paternity leave – so, a bunch of his very charming friends filled in for him, hosting the show while he spent some much-needed time at home with wife Molly (who’s also a writer on his show) and newborn son, Billy.
Throughout the week Kimmel’s pals took his place behind Live’s desk, starting with Will Arnett, then Anthony Anderson, Kristen Bell, and finally, David Spade, who felt so natural in the late night slot he should think about hosting his own show.
Spade, a longtime stand-up in addition to being one of SNL’s biggest mid-90s stars, breezed through the monologue like a pro, throwing bits of material in between riffs on current events. Not everyone was won over from the start, though – Kimmel sidekick Guillermo seemed a bit threatened by Spade’s ease onstage, but eventually, he warmed up and joined in as the comic played a rousing round of “Spade-y or Lady,” pounded shots with director Guy Ritchie, and chatted with fellow 90s icon Courtney Cox.
