The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore

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Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
2.7

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 200 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 200
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 200
  3. Negative: 141 out of 200

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  1. johnwayne8321
    Aug 12, 2015
    2
    The Nightly Show is just bad. His humor is relatively childish. He tries to make his show like a news show and unbiased when in reality he is an anti-police leftist. All of his stories are on the "victimization" of African-Americans. It is reverse racist like Keuy and Peele and the Daily Show, only not funny like those shows.
  2. Southbysowhat
    Jun 3, 2015
    7
    I initially felt the show was going to need some time to find its voice, as Larry has the goods enough to host a controversially humorous and informative show. Several months in and it's not happening. What made the Daily Show and Colbert so enjoyable was the hosts riffing on current events, not hacky, tedious comedic attempts at illustrating them. Reality is way funnier than recreation.I initially felt the show was going to need some time to find its voice, as Larry has the goods enough to host a controversially humorous and informative show. Several months in and it's not happening. What made the Daily Show and Colbert so enjoyable was the hosts riffing on current events, not hacky, tedious comedic attempts at illustrating them. Reality is way funnier than recreation. Also, stacking the deck with the so-called comedians they find during the too-short panel segments does not make for good discussion. They are trying too hard for laughs, apparently not aware that real life provides plenty. Figure out how to harness it and you're good.… Expand
  3. showtimedelight
    May 7, 2015
    8
    Good lighthearted skits. Less well-known guest panel voices refreshing. It's a departure from the one host featuring the recurring one guest on the one sofa. Thanks! Subject matter, while on point, can sting a bit, particularly those who want to "let's just not broach that issue, please" . However, could limit the Black topics a bit, there's a broad spectrum of thingsGood lighthearted skits. Less well-known guest panel voices refreshing. It's a departure from the one host featuring the recurring one guest on the one sofa. Thanks! Subject matter, while on point, can sting a bit, particularly those who want to "let's just not broach that issue, please" . However, could limit the Black topics a bit, there's a broad spectrum of things going on out there. No Larry is not Colbert he's not supposed to be. The show is not Colbert-est, it's not supposed to be. For those going through withdrawal watch Colbert on Hulu.… Expand
  4. Squirtsmom
    Aug 12, 2015
    10
    I love the Nightly Show-I was really sorry when Colbert show ended. But, Larry Wilmore makes me laugh out loud in the same way Colbert did. I really love that he has his writers on in skits, etc. The whole thing is very witty and improv. I have seen comments about how the show is all about "race"...but, really folks, that's been major news this last year. Anyway, I've become a huge fan.
  5. meanygirl
    Jun 27, 2015
    8
    I found the show occasionally disappointing in the beginning but after some changes, it is getting better in my opinion. Gone is the glass/wood table that created an odd perspective when panelists sat around to discuss topics. It seems like Larry is featured more in the beginning for headlines. He's getting smoother with his jokes and what I like the most is defining himself. He used to beI found the show occasionally disappointing in the beginning but after some changes, it is getting better in my opinion. Gone is the glass/wood table that created an odd perspective when panelists sat around to discuss topics. It seems like Larry is featured more in the beginning for headlines. He's getting smoother with his jokes and what I like the most is defining himself. He used to be the last show in my queue I would watch but now it isn't. I love the racial discussions and jokes but then I get it. For those who write about his show being played like a race card, I disagree. I laugh a lot. Hope he gets even better.… Expand
  6. jowey
    Mar 5, 2015
    8
    I enjoy the show and find it quite funny. I like the format and the range of guests and the perspective. Although, I thought the show with Mayor De Blasio was a bit of miss....Wilmore isn't really an interviewer and lacks the punch of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert...so it came off as a bit of puff piece and probably the weakest show so far. Probably best if he sticks with a mixed panelI enjoy the show and find it quite funny. I like the format and the range of guests and the perspective. Although, I thought the show with Mayor De Blasio was a bit of miss....Wilmore isn't really an interviewer and lacks the punch of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert...so it came off as a bit of puff piece and probably the weakest show so far. Probably best if he sticks with a mixed panel and avoids the 1-on-1 interview....I love the keeping it 'hunred segment.… Expand
  7. DrStrange
    Jul 24, 2015
    0
    BOYCOTT WILMORE https://www.change.org/p/larry-wilmore-comedy-central-boycott-nightly-show-with-larry-wilmore-and-comedy-central

    He's destructive show to disrupt black and white relations must be stopped
  8. RukuAustin
    Jun 2, 2015
    0
    He's borderline anti-white and anti-christian, at least that's how he comes off and it makes him seem like a douche bag. I'm not even christian but his attitude about topics he clearly doesn't have all facts in pisses me off.
  9. bossofthestix
    Jan 28, 2015
    10
    Hilarious keeps a fresh prospective on current topics. Round table opinions remind me of bill mahers show which i love. Keep it a 100 is amazing!! Keep it up
  10. progressnerd
    Mar 8, 2015
    9
    I really enjoy this show. He brings in a lot of diverse perspectives on controversial topics, and the result is something fun, easy to watch, and thought-provoking. He'll need a little time to work some of the kinks out, and I can help but wish the panel discussions were allotted more time.
  11. cathreen
    Oct 21, 2015
    8
    I wrote a review earlier but I wanted to write another one. I really, really look forward to watching this show. I think the people on it are very smart, even though (as other reviewers have noted) their remarks are not deep. I just think they are trying to treat Larry as though he were Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert. He simply doesn't have the same high energy vibe. ELIMINATE THEI wrote a review earlier but I wanted to write another one. I really, really look forward to watching this show. I think the people on it are very smart, even though (as other reviewers have noted) their remarks are not deep. I just think they are trying to treat Larry as though he were Jon Stewart or Steven Colbert. He simply doesn't have the same high energy vibe. ELIMINATE THE AUDIENCE. I think that would do a lot. They seem to feel that the measure of success is how much they whip up the crowd -- and Larry is hamstrung by the need to try to do it, which is just not who he is. I am enjoying the opening bits MUCH more than I did at the beginning -- those have gotten much better. And the talent, like Mike Yard, have rapidly found their stride. It seems like they all like and respect each other, and I find them all really funny. It is the fake laughter in the audience at the opening which is driving me nuts -- they plant a person every night who laughs really loud and really fake. Just stop trying to make it funny like Colbert, and just make it funny like Dick Cavett. Larry is a Dick Cavett type. He is only suffering from a pre-conceived notion of what his show should be, based on its time slot. I'm giving it an 8 because I think it needs improvement. Still, it's the one show I really, really want to watch every night. (FAR more than Colbert's new show, by the way.) Larry is fantastic --- I hope they'll keep trying until they find the right format for him.… Expand
  12. Blueme
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    I love Larry. He is fresh and funny and I like his demeanor. What else are you going to do about race problems but see the comedy in it. He is very smart, and I sense that he has compassion. Keep up the good work Nightly Show!
  13. LRR
    Mar 6, 2015
    10
    Love this show. Wilmore has one of the liveliest and best panel discussions going. He is an excellent moderator. Really recommend the show and look forward to seeing how Wilmore develops the show over time.
  14. ahemahem
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    I DVR so as to not miss a single show. After week one I wondered if he could carry it on, but Wilmore has remarkable knowledge and timing. Part of the format is like Maher but it suits me better because there is more respect for alternative perspectives; truth speaks for itself.
  15. mraei
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    Not sure what people were expecting. Yes the format is different from Colbert, but give the guy a break, I think a lot of the people who gave this show 1-3 are just plain racists. I like the kinds of topics that he explores and I like the panels. In terms of how funny he is I give him a 7 or an 8, I like to think of his program more as funny news show than the other way around.
  16. martinex
    Mar 1, 2015
    7
    Wilmore has some gigantic shows to fill. Thankfully he's not trying to mimic the Colbert Report which would be impossible. Instead he's providing a funny and provocative panel show. Still don't know if he's witty enough to carry a nightly show (no pun intended) but I must admit, it's interesting and topical.
  17. thirdeye
    Mar 29, 2015
    7
    After seeing the first few weeks of The Nightly Show I believe it has a lot of potential, but Larry WIlmore has to work out a few things before it can make it as an audience favorite.

    In his interview with Mark Maron on the WTF Podcast Wilmore likened the show to Bill Maher's Real Time, which I think is a much more fair comparison. When this compared to Maher, Wilmore proves a worthy    After seeing the first few weeks of The Nightly Show I believe it has a lot of potential, but Larry WIlmore has to work out a few things before it can make it as an audience favorite.

    In his interview with Mark Maron on the WTF Podcast Wilmore likened the show to Bill Maher's Real Time, which I think is a much more fair comparison. When this compared to Maher, Wilmore proves a worthy colleague. Just like Real Time, his show would also work much better when completely unshackled from the constraints of time and commercial breaks. Some of the moments during the panel discussions are pure gold, but would be made better if they were allowed to continue. You can see this working out on Maher. When the panelists are not tied down by having to speak in sound bites, they show a lot more of their true nature, which leads into a more in depth discussion which is very fulfilling to the viewers. You can see this type of format working out in Podcasts. When interviewees are given virtually unlimited time to speak the discussions are a pleasure to listen to.

    One of the examples where this time constraint was a hinderance is the episode in which one of the panelists was a woman who has signed up for a suicide mission to Mars. She knows that she'll not survive past a few month on the planet, but is still willing to leave her family for this cause. I think this show would have worked much better if there was time to really get into her psyche. There would be a lot more of a potential to reveal something interesting about human nature.

    Larry Willmore has a very unique brand of humor, and should create a show that is just as unique both in name and in format. He should also try to move his show to Showtime as a worthy counterpart to Bill Maher.    … Expand
  18. drummusic
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    Great show! Refreshing and new every day. Very intelligent and quick. Some good view points are expressed on the show. But i hate the back up singer bit...
  19. Linsenman
    Mar 31, 2015
    8
    I want to give this a 7.5, but seeing as it won't let me, 8 will do. while this show does not live up to the giant hole left by The Colbert Report, it is a MORE than serviceable replacement. Stephen Colbert is someone who is extremely hard to follow, give this show a break. I went to a taping recently and they are trying to improve the show every single day. I personally love the panelI want to give this a 7.5, but seeing as it won't let me, 8 will do. while this show does not live up to the giant hole left by The Colbert Report, it is a MORE than serviceable replacement. Stephen Colbert is someone who is extremely hard to follow, give this show a break. I went to a taping recently and they are trying to improve the show every single day. I personally love the panel idea, but it could be executed more efficiently.… Expand
  20. englishteacher
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    Larry Wilmore's April 27 show is easily the best single show I have ever seen on television--and I've been watching TV for 60 years. The humor was Wilmore's own brand of gentle delivery with a razor-sharp takeaway. Brilliant! Tour de Force! Thank you Arby's and Taco Bell and Sea World and all the car makers for sponsoring this show.
  21. jazzerz
    May 5, 2015
    8
    Nightly Show is starting to gain steam. Had a rough start, but continues to improve.
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  22. Graeme1987
    Mar 6, 2015
    7
    While a lot of people focus on what's wrong with the show, as a whole it's a funny show with a great host that's worth your time to watch. It has some major kinks: primarily that the panel is too large for a 5-10 minute discussion (I actually liked those weeks on Real Time when Maher only had 2 panelist guests, and his panel had around a half-hour to fill). The Keep It 100 segmentWhile a lot of people focus on what's wrong with the show, as a whole it's a funny show with a great host that's worth your time to watch. It has some major kinks: primarily that the panel is too large for a 5-10 minute discussion (I actually liked those weeks on Real Time when Maher only had 2 panelist guests, and his panel had around a half-hour to fill). The Keep It 100 segment occasionally provides some good laughs, but is more miss than hit with a lot of really stupid questions and an audience that doesn't know if it's booing a dishonest answer or an honest answer they don't like. Fortunately, Keep it 100 seems to be being phased out (or at least used less frequently): some of the alternatives like Larry as a Martian or stab-shoot-or-shout were a nice change of pace. Also, while the "one topic per day" is an interesting premise, it leads to some shows being particularly bad when the subject isn't as clear or interesting. Larry's first true 1-1 interview with the Mayor of New York also felt a little too realaxed: he actually asked the mayor how affordable housing helped income equality (it sounded like the style of obvious-answer question you'd hear on a late-night informercial); given Larry isn't coming from an interview background though, this can be forgiven (and remember Stewart's interview with John Kerry when he was running for president?)

    Okay, so why 7/10 with all those problems? Because despite those problems, the show is funny. Larry overall does a good job hosting: he's very likable, quick witted, and treats all panelists fairly and makes sure they all get a chance to speak; during the panel, he does a good job asking interesting questions and followups and finds a good balance between giving his own opinions and letting others speak. He also has broad appeal and can talk about minority issues while still being accessible to middle-class white fans. Some people complain he looks awkward: that's true, but I think it's partially just his slightly geeky style, which I find works well enough. There have been interesting conversations, good satire, and having a show with primarily minority guests brings a new perspective to late night TV. As a whole, I feel the good outweighs the bad, and the kinks can be worked out.    … Expand
  23. kalix1999
    Oct 6, 2015
    10
    The original title of this show was to have been "The Minority Report." Fox News kept that from happening because they have a similarly title show with a completely different viewpoint. Those who criticize the show for focusing on such issues have either been living under a rock or are lacking in grey matter. Unless, unless, they have an agenda beyond the merits of the show and insteadThe original title of this show was to have been "The Minority Report." Fox News kept that from happening because they have a similarly title show with a completely different viewpoint. Those who criticize the show for focusing on such issues have either been living under a rock or are lacking in grey matter. Unless, unless, they have an agenda beyond the merits of the show and instead take issue with the "minority host" in general.

    I have seldom seen such a disconnect between critical reviews and the reviews of supposed viewers. All of the negativity seems somewhat orchestrated. The show is closer to an 8.5 but I gave it a 10 in attempt to keep the overall user score more "fair and balanced."    … Expand
  24. klavelle
    Oct 15, 2015
    9
    This show is at its best when it is talking about race and/or politics. Wilmore has been really good discussing issues surrounding Black Lives Matter and institutional racism. Even if it isn't perfect, you aren't getting these types of conversations on other late night talk show (in terms of content or diversity of guests). The political coverage has been pretty good, especially with theThis show is at its best when it is talking about race and/or politics. Wilmore has been really good discussing issues surrounding Black Lives Matter and institutional racism. Even if it isn't perfect, you aren't getting these types of conversations on other late night talk show (in terms of content or diversity of guests). The political coverage has been pretty good, especially with the "candidate viability" themed episodes analyzing 2016 presidential candidates.… Expand
  25. YoMamaSays
    Oct 19, 2015
    10
    I love Larry Wilmore! I'm white and I appreciate the fresh perspective that Larry and his guests and crew bring to this show; especially Mike Yard, who is hilarious. I don't understand all of the racist remarks, but I guess some folks just can't handle a show that has a mostly black cast. They're probably the same folks who want to make the White House "white" again.
  26. Jamison12
    Jun 27, 2016
    3
    While it showed promise early on, it never built on what potential it had, in fact, the show seemed to have peaked within the first month as it has made no decent improvements since then. All of the guests agree with each other on almost everything. There's no conflict here. The show wants to start conversations about race, but how can those conversations start when the audience only seesWhile it showed promise early on, it never built on what potential it had, in fact, the show seemed to have peaked within the first month as it has made no decent improvements since then. All of the guests agree with each other on almost everything. There's no conflict here. The show wants to start conversations about race, but how can those conversations start when the audience only sees one side from five different people… Expand
  27. Money
    Mar 16, 2016
    7
    After watching last night show (3/16)16) I said goodbye to Larry Wilmore show.Nothing funny about his cast-Larry seems to hang onto what his cast can produce - he can't seem to carry the whole show by himself. Not one character is funny. Good bye Larry Wilmore!!!!
  28. beaner02
    Aug 15, 2016
    0
    The show is a poor substitute for Stephen Colbert. Larry is flat and whiny with no sense of comedic timing. His show is incredibly one dimensional, and that dimension in non-stop race baiting. He's basically an unfunny one trick pony.
  29. pu-239
    Mar 18, 2016
    3
    I watch comedy central all the time, it's my go to channel, and was a huge fan of The Daily Show and Colbert. Because of this, I really wanted to like this show. Unfortunately, I've found the show is less about humor and more about pushing a political agenda. It seems that Wilmore makes everything about racism or sexism, even when it's nowhere to be found. Now, it is important to noteI watch comedy central all the time, it's my go to channel, and was a huge fan of The Daily Show and Colbert. Because of this, I really wanted to like this show. Unfortunately, I've found the show is less about humor and more about pushing a political agenda. It seems that Wilmore makes everything about racism or sexism, even when it's nowhere to be found. Now, it is important to note that over the past couple of years the two Comedy Central news shows have changed substantially, but I've found that Trevor Noah has been doing a fantastic job with the Daily Show. I could see how a show like this would be enjoyable if you are in line with the political views expressed, but even then it wouldn't be a comedy show, it would just be someone snidely telling you things you already believe. I dislike how an ongoing theme of the show is that someone doesn't have the right to talk about certain issues because they are not in a protected class (ie. women's issues if you aren't a woman or police violence if you aren't black). The show seems to lack the nuance of a political show and the humor of a comedy show. I guess it's a bad sign when they have Al Shapton on the show and out of the four person panel he seemed to be the most willing to discuss nuanced issues without resorting to the lazy "it's because of racism" answer. If you are familiar with Francesca Ramsey on Youtube, the show is very similar to her videos (which explains why she joined the writing staff of the show a couple months ago).

    The other thing that irks me is the "keep it 100" segment. For those who are unfamiliar, the premise is that an online follower will write in a question (usually some kind of "would you rather..." question) and Wilmore answers it (originally it was questions Wilmore asked his guests). The goal, of course, is to answer the question with a totally blunt and honest answer. Often the questions are either inane or set up to get Wilmore to talk about how much he hates Trump. Often he doesn't even answer them honestly, he just says something the crowd wants to hear. One in particular was something along the lines of "if you were stranded on a desert isle like in the film, Castaway, and someone comes to bring you back to the US, but he tells you Trump has won the presidency, would you stay on the island or go back to the US with him?" Wilmore's answer was that he would stay on the island, which was met with applause and the writers awarding him with "100" stickers (meaning they believed he had "kept in 100"). Maybe I'm approaching this incorrectly, but I highly doubt that an entertainer (likely without remarkable survival skills) would prefer to stay stranded on a desert island than return to the US with Trump as president. It seems to me that this answer is the epitome of what would warrant "weak tea" (an indication that one had not "kept it 100").

    In summation, it's possible that I'd like this show better if my beliefs were closer to those of Wilmore and his writers (I'm not radical, I'm pretty much a centrist on most issues), but I feel that a comedy show shouldn't be so aggressive in pushing a political agenda even if it is political satire.    … Expand
  30. dennisintexas
    Apr 5, 2016
    10
    Maybe it's this website, but I'm surprised by the negative reviews. I love the Nightly Show, I like Larry more than Steve Colbert. To me Larry is more like Jon Stewart, who I miss a lot. I like that there is a black voice in this time slot. I will take Larry over Trevor, I like Trevor, but not as much as Larry. I like how the show opens with a funny comments and "pointing outs", butMaybe it's this website, but I'm surprised by the negative reviews. I love the Nightly Show, I like Larry more than Steve Colbert. To me Larry is more like Jon Stewart, who I miss a lot. I like that there is a black voice in this time slot. I will take Larry over Trevor, I like Trevor, but not as much as Larry. I like how the show opens with a funny comments and "pointing outs", but then he finishes with a harsh remark to bring the reality. If you see this Larry, great show!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best TV Season of 2015
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
75
#75 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Las Vegas Weekly
    Reviewed by: Josh Bell
    Feb 2, 2015
    60
    Like Stewart, Wilmore is good at using jokes to cut down overblown public figures, and he isn’t afraid to be self-deprecating. His opening monologue is typically the best part of the show.... The shakiest part of the show during its first week has been the middle panel-discussion segment, which features a mix of comedians and political commentators talking about the episode’s topic.
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  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Jan 23, 2015
    70
    It's still a little clunky, particularly in terms of editing, and it feels as if all involved are figuring out the right ratio of jokes to information. Yet there's a lot to recommend here.
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Jan 20, 2015
    60
    Wilmore had a few bugs in his performance on opening night: He was a little too giggly, and a few times he spokesofast it turned his lines into what-did-he-say? mush. That said, his clear excitement for this opportunity was endearing.
    Read full review
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