Taylor Tomlinson didn’t think about herself as a bunch when she first met with CBS about their “@Midnight” reboot final yr. She assumed the filming schedule would intrude along with her old flame — stand-up — however it was price taking the assembly to fulfill new folks and possibly rating some panelist appearances.
However when the executives in cost revealed they’d create a filming schedule that might permit her to nonetheless carry out comedy gigs on the weekends, a completely new world opened up.
“I took this job as a result of I wished to develop new abilities and develop as an individual,” Tomlinson tells Selection whereas strolling round her set. “I feel I’ve undoubtedly skilled that. I’m able to work on a workforce of folks that I actually like, respect and luxuriate in.”
Now, Tomlinson is months into internet hosting “After Midnight,” a panel comedy present modeled after the previous Comedy Central sequence, which brings in comedians from numerous backgrounds to riff and touch upon trending subjects for arbitrary factors and prizes. It’s not a sit-down interview talker for insomniacs to seek out out about new film or TV releases. As a comedy nerd, Tomlinson relishes the prospect to provide fellow comedians a highlight.
“It’s primarily a platform for comedians, for people who find themselves all the way down to play and showcase their comedic chops. It’s foolish and enjoyable. It actually seems like taking part in each evening,” she says. “The format has saved the unique’s full spirit alive, as a result of everybody has jokes written and is ready. We’re a extremely good consolation present. It’s the right factor to look at if you’re preparing for work within the morning or if you’re having breakfast or falling asleep.”
The gig makes Tomlinson the one feminine host at present in late evening, now that Amber Ruffin has pivoted to particular episodes over on NBC. Whereas the comic acknowledged that many have come earlier than her, she could be very conscious she’s a lone wolf for the second. She tries to not let it dictate her selections when she’s internet hosting the present or weighing in on its inventive facets.
“It seems like stress when folks ask me about it. Ought to I be extra nervous about that? I’m extra nervous about how we get a second season in order that this crew of individuals will get to maintain working collectively,” the host says. “I’m not coming to work going, ‘You’re the one. You’re the girl, so that you higher make this work.’”
Tomlinson is all in favor of seeing extra girls inhabit the late-night area, whether or not within the conventional interview format or one thing else.
“I don’t wish to be dismissive of being the one lady in late evening. I’d like to see a conventional speak present helmed by a lady. I’d like to see extra exhibits like ours,” she says. “There are many alternative ways to do that, plenty of totally different views, they usually aren’t being represented at present.”
For now, Tomlinson is concentrated on her personal progress — emotionally, professionally and even bodily. She has been impressed by the “After Midnight” warm-up comic Percy Rustomji to succeed in a really particular aim by the season’s wrap in August.
“A number of of us have determined we’re going to try to be capable of do the splits by the tip of Season 1,” she shares. “I’ve been stretching. [Percy] mentioned, ‘You’ll really feel one thing rip in your inside thigh, and you then’ll be capable of do it after months and months of stretching.’ So, I’m simply ready for that essential rip.”
