"NBC's Tonight Show: Nightmare Work Environment Report Reveals Jimmy Fallon's Prima Donna Behavior"
NBC's The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon faced a "nightmare" work environment, with allegations of erratic behavior and bullying by Fallon. Former employees reported therapy and traumatic experiences. However, a separate report stated that the work environment has improved since the arrival of new showrunner Chris Miller. The allegations come at a time when late-night comedy shows are facing declining viewership due to ongoing strikes in the entertainment industry.
NBC's The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon has been plagued by a tumultuous work environment, causing a constant turnover of showrunners, according to a recent report. The article, which features accounts from two current and numerous former employees, sheds light on Fallon's behavior, characterized as erratic and accompanied by instances of bullying and unpredictable outbursts, leading some staff members to seek therapy.
The report, published by Rolling Stone magazine, includes testimonies from 14 former employees, including production crew members, office staff, and show writers, who describe their traumatic experiences. However, a separate report from the New York Post's Page Six highlights the positive changes since the arrival of new showrunner Chris Miller in May, with an anonymous source praising his enthusiasm and transparent leadership.
Rolling Stone's report delves into the dichotomy of "good Jimmy days" and "bad Jimmy days." Former employees reveal that no one dared to say no to Fallon, creating a tense environment where showrunners constantly walked on eggshells. The high turnover rate of showrunners serves as evidence of this challenging dynamic.
Former staff members describe the work environment as a "nightmare," expressing disappointment that their dream job turned into a distressing experience. Writing for late-night television had been the aspiration of many, but the reality proved far from ideal. Some employees report feeling bullied and belittled by higher-ups, including Fallon himself. Shockingly, a few individuals confess to experiencing suicidal thoughts as a result of their time on the show.
Despite the allegations, representatives for Fallon declined to comment on the Rolling Stone article. However, an NBC spokesperson defended The Tonight Show, emphasizing the network's commitment to maintaining a respectful working environment. The spokesperson's statement did not mention Fallon specifically.
Additional claims surfaced regarding Fallon's behavior at work. Two employees alleged that Fallon appeared intoxicated during work hours in 2017, while others reported smelling alcohol on his breath in separate incidents in 2019 and 2020.
These revelations come at a challenging time for late-night comedy shows, as the industry grapples with the effects of the ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strikes. With most TV and movie production halted, late-night shows are resorting to reruns. The strikes, expected to persist into the next year, pose a threat to the future of these shows, as viewership continues to decline due to cord-cutting. The loyal audience that once tuned in for Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, or Stephen Colbert may not return in the same numbers once the strikes finally end.
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