duff beer

Either Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien, or Jimmy Kimmel for one day because they had to fly out of the country for some reason. How would you fare at the:
1. Monologue
2. Bits at the desk or some other humorous segment
3. Guest interviews

And how would you rate yourself by watching a taping of the episode and trying to perfect your performance?

Shannon Nutt

Hosting a talk show is harder than it looks...Conan has a great sense of humor, yet he was horrible his first few months on the air, if anyone remembers.

das Monkey

I've had to MC before, so I'd have no trouble with one monologue with a couple of days prep time. Night after night, though, is another story. Even with talented writers, I'm impressed how they can do that.

I've done enough stage work to feel comfortable with silly segments. Those wouldn't be too rough.

I don't think I'd be good with interviews. Sure, I could lead a guest into telling a story, but if the guest was dull, I'd probably fail at trying to make them seem interesting and fill the time with clever banter. I'd definitely need a sidekick to help with that.

das

Shannon Nutt

All those interviews are prepped. The host and the guest go over the questions and answers before they even film the show. That's why you won't see some celebs go on Letterman - Dave has been known to veer off from the scheduled Q&A.

spinning plates

i would take over for mr. cosmo kramer.

Roto

Oh I remember Andy Richter was the only reason I could stand that show the first season.

I think Kimmel's got it the easiest. For one he doesn't do the monologue, it's more like 5 minutes of Talk Soup and most of the comedy bits are taped. I think I could pull that off. I like his show though, because they did manage to make it different enough from the standard.

devilshalo

I'd ditch the monologue and just start the show off with me behind the desk looking like Garth on Wayne's World after Wayne quits. From there I'd just ad-lib with my shtick of being pulled off the street to fill in. Once the guests come on, it should be easy from then on.

If anything, I can't be any worse than the Magic Hour.

B.A.

I'd be a horrible w/ a monologue and other solo material, but I would be great if I was the sidekick and only had to throw in a little quip here and there to keep things on track or interesting if necessary.

das Monkey

What a great gimmick this would be if you were the regular host.

das

duff beer

No no you couldn't ditch anyone, this is strictly subbing for present shows. You'd have to sweat it out to the best of your abilities whether it bombs or is great.

leepyswetr

Few of Letterman's subs did a monologue.