After five months, Late Night with Seth Meyers returned to NBC on Monday, Oct. 2, following the conclusion of the Writer’s Guild of America strike. Needless to say, the host was rather excited.
And, to celebrate and honor his staff, the host, 49, has shared with PEOPLE several exclusive behind-the-scenes moments from that first week back on air. Those first few episodes included an extended “Closer Look” segment — discussing the news of the day, as well as over the past days — and guest appearances from Tracy Morgan, David Byrne and more.
Back in the Swing of Things
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“Pre-show running of the script with cue card master Wally Fereston,” says Meyers. “Wally wasn’t supposed to be in this picture but surprise, surprise, he found a way.”
But How Many Markers?
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The first episode back, on Monday, Oct. 2, consisted of an extended “Closer Look” segment — and included a behind-the-scenes milestone. “250 cards for our hour-long ‘Closer Look. ‘ A new show record,” says Meyers.
An Important Message
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“Jotting down some final notes reminding me to thank the WGA negotiating committee.”
A Key Step
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“Finally remembered where the studio was,” Meyers jokes. “This is the third door I tried.”
The Monday Crowd Is Ready
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“Audiences are a wonderful thing,” says Meyers.
Back at It on Tuesday
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“We share a hallway with SNL,” says the show’s alum. (Meyers was a player on Saturday Night Live from 2001 to 2014.) “I’ve probably walked this stretch of floor more than any other in the world.”
Guest Chat
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“Tracy Morgan whispering the secrets of the universe while producer Mike Shoemaker rudely tried to listen in,” says Meyers.
A Tough Act — But a Good One!
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Political commentator Chris Hayes was also a guest on Tuesday’s show. “Chris Hayes [is] realizing he has to do the hardest job in showbiz and follow Tracy Morgan,” says Meyers, adding, “He did great!”
Hump Day Has Arrived
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“Speaking to people is a great deal easier with a backing band behind you,” Meyers says of this moment from Wednesday’s show. Guests included Nick Offerman and actress/comedian Siobhan Fallon Hogan.
With a Few Less Cards This Time
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“Oh, look who found his light? GOOD OL’ WALLY!!!!”
Watercooler Catch-Up
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British electronic music group Jungle performed their hit, “Back on 74,” on Wednesday’s show. “Jungle hadn’t been on the show since 2014 but nothing has happened since then so Tom [McFarland] and I had very little to catch up on,” quips Meyers.
Here Stands One Very Cool Dude
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David Byrne was a guest on Thursday’s show and spoke about his musical Here Lies Love. But that’s not what captivated Meyers most: “Of the many amazing things David Byrne has done, none impresses me more than the fact he bikes to 30 Rock,” says the host.
A Lasting Look
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“This is exactly what I was doing for the past five months but now there are cameras. And my shirt is ironed,” says Meyers. Seeing as Anne Hathaway was also a guest on Thursday’s show, we’d hope so.
Late Night with Seth Meyers airs weeknights at 12:35 a.m. ET/PT on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.
