Jordan Klepper, one of The Daily Show’s rotating hosts, brought a mix of charm and self-deprecating humor to his debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, sharing an unforgettable story from his very first day on The Daily Show back in 2014.

Calling Jon Stewart “Dad”

Klepper revealed that his first assignment was a segment on Crimea, which had just been invaded by Russia. Feeling overwhelmed, he worked with Jon Stewart and the writing team to create a bit that embraced his fish-out-of-water status. “I remember brainstorming with Jon … and nervously throwing out ideas,” Klepper said. “In my nervousness, I called Jon ‘Dad,’ because I think I wanted, at that point, to make Dad happy.”

Before he went on air, Stewart offered a piece of advice that Klepper still remembers: “Don’t f*ck up.” Klepper joked, “He’s smart as a whip, short as one as well. Very tiny man.”

Fallon’s Warm Welcome

Fallon laughed at the story, agreeing with Klepper about the camaraderie within late-night television. Klepper’s appearance was lighthearted, but it also came at a time when the late-night landscape is undergoing change, especially after the recent cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Love for the Late-Night “Gang”

Klepper expressed admiration for his fellow hosts: “Honestly, the late-night world is full of such thoughtful, smart people. Seeing everybody get together, even a couple weeks ago, on Stephen’s show, to see everybody there, I think it’s a good team to be a part of.” Fallon agreed, saying, “We’re very lucky. I’m lucky to be doing this.”

Why It Matters

Klepper’s debut wasn’t just about swapping stories — it highlighted the sense of community among late-night hosts during a period of industry shake-ups. His mix of humility, humor, and camaraderie resonated with viewers, making his first Tonight Show appearance a memorable one.