"We want you to feel good," she purrs. "It's a party, baby. When you're done watching, you're going to go to bed with a smile on your face. We're setting you up to have the sweetest dreams possible."
That's a rousing mission statement, indeed. But Mo'Nique won't be the only one looking to bring a fresh look to a late-night scene long ruled by white guys. Also adding some color are Wanda Sykes and George Lopez, who launch their own programs in early November. The Wanda Sykes Show" (Fox) will air on Saturday nights at 11 and feature the irreverent comedian's take on the events of the week, along with discussion panels and comedy segments. Meanwhile, "Lopez Tonight" (TBS), airing at 11 on weeknights, will offer an "outdoor street-party atmosphere" with celebrity guests and musical and comedy performances.
"Change has come to the White House, and now change is coming to late-night," says Lopez, who plans to eschew a desk and cue cards. "We can send a message."
Ask Sykes why it has taken so long to incorporate some diversity into late-night and she offers a sly, tongue-in-cheek response.
"White people," she says. "There are too many of you."
But back in 1989, when Johnny Carson still lorded over late-night, "The Arsenio Hall Show" debuted in syndication with a hip young upstart host who found a way to carve out his own piece of late-night turf. While Carson catered to old-Hollywood types, Hall drew rappers, musicians and other performers who typically didn't populate the talk-show circuit - people like MC Hammer and Bobbi Brown (not to mention a young presidential candidate named Bill Clinton).
