Most iconic late-night television moments

This moment is iconic in the history of late-night host 'wars,' symbolizing an act of televised 'revenge' that resonated deeply with the audience. The way O'Brien used his final weeks to create outlandish and absurd segments became a symbol of fan loyalty and creative resistance.

This interview is iconic for its unconventional format and deadpan humor, taking political comedy to a new level by featuring a sitting president. It was an early and successful example of how politics has been integrated into non-traditional comedy formats, going viral and showing a different side of the president.

This moment is crucial because it marks the end of an era for one of the most influential late-night shows, redefining the landscape of late-night television. Its impact on culture and politics has been significant, and its farewell will be a major television event.

This moment is iconic due to Colbert's boldness in publicly criticizing his own parent company, Paramount Global, over a controversial deal. It demonstrates the growing intersection between politics, media, and large corporations, and the willingness of hosts to address thorny issues.

This event highlights the tension between freedom of expression in late-night television and political pressures, especially in a polarized climate. Kimmel's temporary suspension and subsequent return symbolize a significant struggle between entertainment and politics, reflecting the current challenges faced by late-night shows.

This interview is iconic for its enigmatic nature and Joaquin Phoenix's erratic behavior, which blurred the lines between reality and performance. It generated enormous debate and became a benchmark for 'weird' interviews and media performances, maintaining its relevance as an unforgettable television moment.

This segment is iconic because it took the late-night interview format to a completely new level, combining comedy with real-life action and creating a viral moment. The interaction between Cruise's calm and Corden's terror offered high-stakes entertainment that transcended the traditional studio.

This moment is iconic for the funny and relatable anecdote Tom Holland shared about his awkward encounter with Madonna. It highlights the ability of late-night shows to extract personal and entertaining stories from their guests, creating genuine connections with the audience through shared experiences.

This long-running comedic rivalry is iconic because it has generated numerous memorable moments and has become one of the most hilarious celebrity 'feuds' in late-night television. It demonstrates how recurring interactions can build a lasting comedic narrative, much loved by the audience.

This moment is iconic for Jimmy Fallon's spontaneous comedy and genuine embarrassment upon realizing a misunderstanding with Nicole Kidman about their first meeting. It went viral and is a classic example of the chemistry between host and guest that can create unforgettable and authentic moments in late-night television.

This moment is iconic because it reversed the usual roles, with Rihanna, known for her audacity, pulling an alarm clock prank on Jimmy Kimmel himself, famous for his pranks. It generated laughter and went viral, showcasing celebrities' ability to engage in comedy and create unexpected and entertaining content.

This moment is iconic for Harrison Ford's unexpected seriousness and blunt response, a Hollywood legend feeling underestimated. It highlights the authenticity that sometimes emerges in live interviews, even when unscripted, revealing celebrities' true personalities.

This moment is iconic for its spontaneity and audacity, symbolizing the peculiar friendship and unique dynamic between Howard Stern and David Letterman. It was a 'slightly awkward but super adorable' gesture that captured the essence of their relationship in one of Stern's last appearances before Letterman's retirement.

This moment is iconic for Howard Stern's public reconciliation and honesty, showing a more vulnerable side of the 'shock jock.' It illustrates the evolution of his relationship with Letterman over the years and the mutual respect they developed, transforming past tension into a moment of televised sincerity.