Jimmy Fallon fails to impress with Paris Olympics closing ceremony commentary, viewers call him ‘miscast’

PARIS, FRANCE: NBC Sports delivered a widely praised coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which concluded on Sunday, August 11, with a spectacular closing ceremony. Despite a few hiccups, the overall broadcast has been celebrated as one of the most memorable in recent history.

From the innovative Gold Zone to the star-studded Primetime in Paris, the network’s efforts, bolstered by the charismatic presence of personalities like Snoop Dogg, have resonated positively with audiences. However, one prominent figure managed to stir up a different kind of attention—Jimmy Fallon, as per The Mirror.

Jimmy Fallon hosts closing ceremony of 2024 Paris Olympics

Throughout the Paris Games, NBC prominently featured its late-night host Jimmy Fallon in various segments, including an appearance on the court after Team USA’s victory over France in the men’s basketball final.

Fallon, who has been a staple in NBC’s Olympics coverage this year, also joined Mike Tirico for a segment on Sunday, where he discussed his experiences at the Olympics.

His attempts at humor and light-hearted banter, which have become his trademark on 'The Tonight Show', did little to endear him to the Olympic audience.

Fallon’s involvement culminated in his hosting duties for the closing ceremony, a role NBC had announced earlier this year.

The decision to have Fallon as the face of such a significant event sparked a wave of criticism from viewers, many of whom expressed their discontent on social media.

While Fallon’s role in the Olympics made sense from a business perspective—given his long-standing contract with NBC through 2028—the backlash he faced highlighted the growing disconnect between his on-screen persona and audience expectations.

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games drew to a close with a grand celebration at the Stade de France, featuring performances by US musicians like Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Snoop Dogg, the internet lit up with reactions to Fallon’s commentary.

Fallon’s tenure as host of 'The Tonight Show' has been a mix of highs and lows. While he once enjoyed widespread popularity, recent years have seen a decline in both his ratings and public perception.

Reports of toxic behavior behind the scenes have only added to the tarnishing of his image. This Olympics debacle might be another indication that Fallon’s appeal is waning, especially in settings that demand a different tone and level of commentary.

Jimmy Fallon sparks ridicule online over Paris Olympics commentary

For many viewers, the closing ceremony's entertainment was overshadowed by their frustration with Jimmy Fallon.

One X user commented, "Jimmy Fallon has spent two hours just repeating, 'Wow' and 'That's how you do it.' What a broadcaster."

Another remarked, "NBC has put together an AMAZING two weeks of coverage. In my opinion, the best they've ever done. But now they're really gonna bring out Jimmy Fallon, arguably the least likable personality on all of network TV, to broadcast the closing ceremony? Talk about an unforced error."

A user remarked, "NBC bringing in Jimmy Fallon to comment on the Olympics closing ceremony might be the most embarrassing, shameful thing they’ve done yet. He asked Katie Ledecky if she’s going to 'swim home.' I’m speechless."

Another said, "I swear NBC has spent so much money effort and money trying to convince the world that Jimmy Fallon is funny."

One stated, "Jimmy Fallon about to ruin the last 2 weeks of Olympic Greatness in just a couple of hours of him being him."

Another added, "Imagine the joy of the Olympic Games giving us two weeks without Jimmy Fallon, just for him to show up during the closing ceremony broadcast."

While a comment read, "Has anyone been more miscast as an Olympics broadcaster than Jimmy Fallon? I’ve never heard someone say, 'Hey, did you hear what Jimmy Fallon said on ‘The Tonight Show?’ Man, Fallon is FUNNY.' Never. The only time Fallon got anyone’s attention was when he cozied up to Trump."

A final user remarked, "Out of all the political leaders at the Olympics, Jimmy Fallon is the worst person there."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.