Rodolfo Martinez/NBCSeth Meyers did one of the smartest things he could do when he started his Late Night hosting duties. It wasn't his monologue, or even having Vice President Joe Biden there, it was bringing in his BFF and former Weekend Update co-anchor Amy Poehler.
The Parks and Recreation star was Meyers' first guest, with Biden coming on in the second half of the show following a performance by A Great Big World. Need a little taste to see if it's worth staying up until 12:35 for? We've got you covered. Here are 10 things to look forward on the premiere of Late Night With Seth Meyers. Warning, spoilers below. Yes, spoilers for a late night talk show.
1. The show's cold open pays tribute to the previous host, Jimmy Fallon. Meyers riffs on Fallon's "Thank You" bit, but then promises from here on out, it will feature original comedy.
2. Meyers isn't afraid to make fun of himself. The former SNL head writer told a cute story about needing help changing a flat tire, complete with a photo of him holding his coat-wearing Greyhound while a strange fixed his car.
3. The trademark opening monologue is still very present, but Meyers' had a distinct Weekend Update feel. The jokes (based on recent news stories) and Meyers' delivery will definitely help any Weekend Update fan feel at home on Late Night.
4. The minimalist desk features a very nice Stefon (the SNL character played by Bill Hader) Russian doll wearing a wedding veil.
5. Fred Armisen and Meyers' banter is on point. It pays having a veteran comic be your bandleader. Armisen contributes more than just a "hey!" and guitar riff.
6. Meyers gives a few good jabs at the Olympics, including creepy crying Sochi bear and Bob Costas' pink eye. Now, can we stop talking about this eye infection?
7. Amy Poehler is amazing. Poehler and Meyers have great chemistry and that comes off very, very clear. The two banter like old friends (because they are), but it really makes the viewer feel at ease. It's familiar and there's a comfort level there. It's hilarious. She makes a big announcement about Broad History—it'll be big for a second season on Comedy Central—and has a GREAT moment with Armisen that you're sure to see GIFs of ASAP on Tumblr.
8. Poehler tackles the whole George Clooney prank war and uses her time on Late Night to declare her surrender and say something Clooney has never heard from a woman before: "George, please stop."
9. "The gorgeous charm monster" AKA Vice President Joe Biden. The veep has plenty of interaction with Poehler and the two discuss his time on Parks and Rec. There's plenty of train banter, Poehler declares their next project together is Snakes on a Train.
10. The big announcement. Meyers says Biden has a big 2016 announcement, but Biden decides to let Meyers have his night. But Poehler won't. "Oh, I'm going to run for president."
Don't look for any special guests. It's just Poehler, Meyers and A Great Big World. Now what you didn't see…Poehler and Biden filmed a few promos with Meyers for local affiliates. She held Biden's hand for some and they cozy up for the others.
Late Night with Seth Meyers airs 12:35 a.m. on NBC.
(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)