Jimmy Fallon brought NBC’s The Tonight Show to the Detroit Opera House for a special episode that was filmed on Sunday, Sept. 14 and aired on Monday, Sept. 15. The episode was part of the late-night talk show and NBCUniversal’s ongoing partnership with Ford Motor Company, which entered its fifth year.
As expected, Fallon delivered a very Detroit-centric show filled with nods to the city’s iconic music, food, sports, and more. In fact, before filming the episode, Fallon went to Ford Field with actor Keegan-Michael Key and took in the sights and sounds of the Detroit Lions’ home opener against the Chicago Bears.
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In an episode filled with highlights, here are our three favorite moments from the special Detroit episode of The Tonight Show.
Keegan-Michael Key Tests Jimmy Fallon on How to Pronounce Street Names
When Key brought a fun game about how Detroiters pronounce things, a clearly nervous Fallon said immediately, “I don’t think I’m going to do well on this at all.” As it turns out, he didn’t, especially since the things he had to pronounce were some of our street names.
The host was a good sport when he was roasted for his attempted pronunciation of Livernois and Gratiot. Honestly, Fallon’s pronunciation of Livernois as “Liver-no-wah” was rather clever. He seemed to attempt a French accent on the pronunciation since Detroit was initially a French settlement when it was founded in 1701. Considering other street names, we understand why he would pronounce Gratiot as “Gray-shee-o.” The clip below features an extended version of the game that didn’t make the broadcast, which see Fallon’s attempt to pronounce Dequindre.
Cade Cunningham Gifts Jimmy Fallon Some Buffs
Detroit Pistons star point guard Cade Cunningham continued to deliver the Motor City star power as the second guest to sit down with Fallon. In true (and rather literal) Detroit fashion, Cunningham didn’t come empty-handed and gifted Fallon an iconic local status symbol: a pair of Buffs.
“I think the whole city feels this way, man. We’re so happy to have you in Detroit,” said Cunningham before presenting Fallon with a pair of Cartier shades. When Fallon put on the Buffs, the crowd inside the Detroit Opera House erupted in approval.
Aidan Hutchinson Makes a Surprise Appearance
As Fallon was signing off from the Detroit Opera House, there was one more big guest: Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. The 6’7” Hutchinson greeted the host with a massive hug and lifted him in the air with ease, much to the delight of the crowd. Hutchinson thanked Fallon for being the Lions’ “good luck charm” in their 52-21 trouncing of the Chicago Bears and then presented him with an honorary game ball.
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