In 2019, director Nisha Ganatra brought a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise with ‘Freakier Friday,’ highlighting the importance of generational collaboration in the entertainment industry.
6 Years Ago, ‘Freakier Friday’ Director Collaborated with Mindy Kaling and Emma Thompson for This Remarkable Film
Although the original Freaky Friday film from 1976 was well-received at its initial release, the 2003 remake became one of Disney’s biggest live-action hits. Featuring two generations of stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, Freaky Friday was a true crowd-pleaser. With Mark Waters not returning to direct the highly anticipated sequel, Freakier Friday, expectations were high regarding how it would honor the legacy of the original. Thankfully, director Nisha Ganatra excelled at maintaining the original dynamics while introducing a new generation of young talent. This was no surprise to those familiar with her work, as Ganatra directed the heartwarming dramedy Late Night.
Despite being less than a decade old, Late Night explores the culture of late-night comedy talk shows, which have faced significant changes in recent years. With Stephen Colbert departing CBS, Conan O’Brien thriving in new media, Jimmy Fallon facing backlash, and Jon Stewart returning to host The Daily Show, late-night shows are struggling to maintain their status as “must-see” television. While Late Night celebrates the enduring appeal of this traditional form of entertainment, it also addresses the issues of class, race, and gender that make the industry challenging to navigate. Late Night presents an optimistic yet balanced view of different generations of artists and advocates for their collaboration.
What Is ‘Late Night’ About?
Emma Thompson stars as Katherine Newbury, a long-standing British late-night host whose American program is experiencing declining ratings for the first time in her career. Fearing replacement by a younger host, Katherine insists that her head writer, Brad (Denis O’Hare), hire a group of younger writers, as her show lacks female employees in influential roles. Among the new hires is Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling), an Indian-American writer who has long admired Katherine’s career despite her limited professional experience. Initially perceived as a “diversity hire” by Katherine’s male-dominated writing team, Molly eventually generates innovative ideas that connect the show with previously unreachable demographics. As Molly reshapes Katherine’s approach to modern comedy, they discover that she is at risk of being replaced, with the network favoring the crude, misogynistic comedian Daniel Tennant (Ike Barinholtz) as a potential new host. Together, Molly and Katherine must demonstrate their capability to advance late-night television into the future.
Late Night showcases compassion for all its characters, recognizing the conflicts that may arise among them. While Katherine has enjoyed considerable privilege as a financially secure late-night host for over a decade, she also faces a unique backlash not experienced by her male counterparts; older male hosts are celebrated for their age and experience, while women are often deemed “past their prime.” Initially hesitant about Molly’s lack of experience, Katherine eventually acknowledges that Molly’s diverse background helps the show engage with audiences who may have previously overlooked it. By encouraging Katherine to embrace social media, Molly ensures the show remains relevant to a new generation.
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‘Late Night’ Is an Empathetic, Multi-Generational Dramedy
Late Night thrives on the excellent chemistry between Thompson and Kaling, who portray two characters more alike than they would care to admit. While Katherine relishes the fame her role brings, Molly prefers to work behind the scenes. Both women possess the courage to voice unpopular opinions, though this doesn’t always yield positive results; Molly’s decision to invite a controversial guest embarrasses Katherine. Initially furious, Katherine realizes she likely would have made the same choice earlier in her career. While it may be easier to empathize with Molly, who faces cultural prejudice as the only woman of color in her field, Katherine’s storyline is equally compelling, as her husband Walter Lovell (John Lithgow) battles a serious illness.
While acknowledging the specific functions of talk shows, Late Night argues for the value of monoculture, as these shows can connect multiple generations by inviting everyone to participate. The film does not shy away from depicting the unglamorous, demanding, and emotionally taxing realities of working in such a high-pressure environment. However, it suggests that the profession holds value for those who believe they can effect change. Since its release, Late Night stands out as a beacon of optimism, suggesting a bright future for anyone with a sense of humor, regardless of their background.
