Best Late Night Show of the 2011/2012 Season

The best late night variety or chat show of the 2011/2012 TV season. The late night variety format has actually changed very little since it was first created in the 1940s and '50s. The most popular and long-standing example of a late night show, NBC's "The Tonight Show," was originally broadcast in 1954 with Steve Allen (when it was called "Tonight Starring Steve Allen.") That show introduced a number of the features still associated with shows like Jay Leno's "Tonight Show," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "Conan," including the incorporation of an announcer and bandleader, an opening monologue and celebrity interviews. Allen also would perform comedy sketches that involved audience participation or trips outside the studio, both of which remain staples of the late night comedy format.

There are non-talk shows that are also considered "late night programming" as well. NBC's "Saturday Night Live," starting in 1975, featured a format more similar to the classic vaudeville-inspired variety shows of TV's Golden Era, including monologues, comedians performing sketches with celebrity guests and musical performances. The show's "Weekend Update" feature (a parody newscast) also inspired contemporary late night hits like "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report."

This list focuses specifically on the favorite late night shows of the 2011-2012 TV season. Vote for your favorite late night options, and if your picks aren't on the list, go ahead and make your own re-ranked version to add them!