By David Bauder, Media Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --The studio is largely empty, but Jimmy Fallon is out of his home and back to the "Tonight" show stage.
The NBC late-night host returned to NBC's Rockefeller Center headquarters Monday, saying he hoped he could provide his audience with a little more "normal" during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'm here to show you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if we keep each other safe," Fallon said.
Fallon, along with other late-night hosts, have been working remotely the past few months of months. The coronavirus pandemic shutdown TV and film production in March for safety reasons. New York has slowly been reopening as other parts of the country are now feeling the full effects of the epidemic.
He began his show with a filmed piece showing him "walking" to work, pulling down his mask so a Rockefeller Center security guard knew he was indeed an employee.
His backup band, the Roots, were in place. Studio crew members wore face shields and masks. Everyone there had tested negative for COVID-19, he said. There was no audience.
Fallon was dressed more informally, with a sweater instead of a suit.
"Normalcy, any type of normalcy, feels great," he said. "So hopefully we can put a smile on your face an hour every night and let you sit back and relax while we try to bring you a little bit of normal."
Guests, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Charlize Theron, weren't in the studio as the celebrity interviews continued remotely.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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