Jimmy Fallon's first try at Late Night hosting

I have always liked Jimmy Fallon and I think he is really funny, but last night, when his Late Night with Jimmy Fallon debuted, it was difficult to not notice how nervous he seemed. There were definitely high points as well as lows, but I think if Jimmy can get comfortable, then the show will succeed.

The show opened with a pre-recorded skit of Jimmy with Conan O'Brien, for whom Jimmy is taking over the Late Show. Then they moved into the monologue, which I thought was funny, especially when he attempted to respond to the audience yelling. The "Slow Jammin' the News" segment, where he sings about a news topic and the house band - The Roots - plays melodic music behind him, was cute. I wonder if this is going to be something he does often. Then they showed a video about the show's apparent Target Demographic - Blonde Mothers. I didn't enjoy this or find it funny.

After the first commercial break, they returned and played a game called "Lick it for Ten," which is exactly as it sounds - audience members were brought on stage and if they licked objects like a lawn mower and a fish bowl, then they would get $10. It was a stupid game and not very funny.

Jimmy's first guest was Robert Di Niro. Jimmy was most obviously nervous during this segment and the usual, casual banter between host and guest was not happening. It was funny how at the beginning of the segment, in response to an audience member yelling "I love you" to De Niro, Jimmy said, "I love him too - this is awesome." It was moments like these, the totally unscripted ones, that made the show interesting.

When the second guest - Justin Timberlake - came out, Jimmy calmed a little, which can be attributed to the fact that he and Justin are friends. They joked about their time doing the Barry Gibb Talk Show skit on Saturday Night Live and made fun of other performers, including John Mayer. This segment was funny if only because Justin is funny and Jimmy was less nervous.

I think the show has potential as long as Jimmy hits his stride. He needs to settle into the position and get more comfortable. We all know he is funny, but will he be able to keep an audience engaged while he is interviewing other celebrities? Only time will tell.

I plan to give him a few more chances and watch again. How about you? Did you watch? Did you find the show funny? Any suggestions for how he should handle the show?