“It’s Hashtags time!” Jimmy Fallon’s collections of hilarious real-life stories are back with a bang. Twitter users are having lots of fun sharing their personal stories with the 46-year-old comedian and the host of The Tonight Show. This time, everyone’s opening up about their very worst first dates by posting under the #WorstFirstDate hashtag.
First dates are supposed to be a tad awkward but fun. Unfortunately, that’s an overly romantic view of them. Reality shows us that first dates can be utter disasters—as bad as they are hilarious! Take a look at our collection of the funny and unbelievable stories that Twitter users shared with Fallon, give the ones that grabbed your attention an upvote, and share your own stories in the comment section.
Having a weird feeling of déjà vu? When you’re done with this list, check out our post about Fallon asking his fans the very same question nearly 3 years ago. Time flies, but people will never stop going on dates, so there’s an inexhaustible supply of future awkwardness.
Mike Sington, a former senior executive at NBCUniversal and a celebrity and pop culture expert based in Los Angeles, detailed to Bored Panda how shows like Fallon's work, how late-night shows have been adapting to the pandemic, and what the purpose of hosts asking questions on Twitter is. Check out what he had to say below.
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According to Mike, Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, hosts like Fallon ask questions on social media to better connect with their fans. "TV hosts are sourcing material directly from social media because it’s a great way to engage with their audiences and stay connected with them," he said. "Each show has a staff of writers, so there’s no lack of content, but nothing can top the personal, and often very funny, contributions of the fans themselves."
For some viewers, the endless lockdowns seem to have taken some of the wind out of Fallon and other late-night show hosts' sails, removing a chunk of the energy and comedy from their work. However, Mike believes that the situation is quite the opposite. In his opinion, Fallon and the others have been doing brilliantly this past year, going as far as calling them heroes of sorts, while pointing out that it's natural for the hosts to have a different type of energy because they've had to adapt to the new normal like everyone else.
"I commend the late-night hosts for soldering on during this months-long lockdown. So many people are isolated and alone now, and they are welcome and familiar faces we can safely bring into our homes. I would even say what they have been doing over the past several months has been somewhat heroic because it hasn’t been easy for them. They knew early on though, the need was there, and they stepped up to the challenge," the expert explained to Bored Panda.
"I think their material has been better than ever. Over the past year, there’s been a wealth of material in the news to utilize. The energy is there, but it’s a bit different. They’ve had to adjust to trying times and having no audience, but have done so admirably. What they’re doing is paying off in the ratings which have been stronger than ever. They’ve been providing much-needed comfort and familiarity that people are craving now."
A lot of us know Fallon from our TV, computer, and phone screens. However, the man’s more than just a comedian and a host. He’s also a loving dad of two girls, Winnie and Franny. Fallon also has a dog named Gary. He also admits that he forces his family to listen to holiday music all year round. Imagine the fun/horror!
The New Yorker’s also a very popular writer, having published hits like Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA, Everything Is MAMA, and This Is BABY. Most recently, he’s published 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas. Pleasantly surprised that Fallon has a literary side? So were we. But Fallon's books look like they're aimed at families—something that's difficult to build if all you can't move past your disastrous first dates.
I have mentally tried putting on three seatbelts for five minutes, so far unsuccessfully
At least they let you know right away they were the blackmailing type... Nice to know you escaped the second date
Eek, this reminds me of a weird first date I had when I was in my early 20's. The guy brought his mum with him to the restaurant, and she told me that if I had kids "by accident" she would be more than happy to look after them for me while I worked. I still shudder when I think about that evening!!
I think this lady was offended by not being offered one more than anything
I reach a point in my life where I would have stop the date after the dinner. The details about skinning a deer, specialy when I'm eating, no way I'm going anywhere with him after that.
I dated this guy once, colleague from work ( I know, a no-go but I really liked him and I was leaving that firm anyway). He was great company at work : funny, helpful, intelligent, charming. But I found out about his gambling habits when we dated. Since he had no money for casino's, he played these games on his phone where you push buttons en see those slot machine thingies turn and turn and turn. And he played them endlessly ! Everywhere we were or went ! Nothing ever happend in those games !! It was just : click and turn, click and turn, click and turn.On and on and on. It did not went well with the relationship
Note: this post originally had 62 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
I went on a date with a guy who showed up 15 years older and 5 stone heavier than the pics he sent me and then proceeded to try and impress me with stories about when he was in the police 10 years earlier. He then tried to explain my phd to me even though he knew nothing about the subject, and told me he thought intelligent women were "difficult". He then told me I should have dressed sexier (it was an afternoon coffee date) and could I open a couple more buttons on my shirt so that he could see "what he would be getting". I got up and walked out. He had seemed so nice when we had chatted for the previous couple of weeks! It was my one and only online date... I deleted the app as soon as I got home!
It's startling how different people can be in person from how they are in a text chat.
@Holly Smethurst: I’m sorry about what you went through. I think your date must be decent enough for you to risk dating during a pandemic. Being old, fat, and idiotic are not necessarily qualities that would ruin dinner/lunch...it’s the misrepresentation of one’s qualities that bother me. I hope you have fun in the dating world and eventually laugh about the misadventures.
Actually scared now. My husband and only relationship I’ve ever had left me after 20 years. I’ve got my first date on Tuesday and he seems lovely but now I think he’s going to be old fat and an idiot!
Why are intelligent women seen as more “difficult?”
The man would actually have to have a conversation with them and not just mansplain while they smile silently...? Stab in the dark...
Intelligent women can think for theirself (themself?). "Unfortunately" for some men, they also tend to do so.
Thank you @Fidgets McGee and @Mike Beck. So what they’re both saying is, it’s this dude’s insecurity.
K. ?
So, what was in your dissertation, Celeste? My focus was on classroom learning environments...Are you working on a new article? I recently published one on language acquisition. Oh, wow, Celeste, that's a great topic. Are you using a regressive analysis, or a simple reporting of the findings as cross-referenced? Do you have any grad assistants helping you? Really, 4? That should ease the data manipulation...Oh, would you like another latte? Sure, my treat. This is such an interesting discussion! [How hard is a meaningful discussion with an educated person? I find it very easy.] -Dr M
Celeste Grant easy