Jimmy Fallon has nothing but praise for Password host Keke Palmer. Since the hit series premiered in August 2022 with Palmer as host and Fallon as resident player, they have been working side-by-side to bring the beloved '60s game show back to life. Now in its third season, Password has reached nearly 23 million total viewers across platforms.
"I am so proud of this show and grateful to NBC and everyone who works on it," the late-night host tells PEOPLE. "You know you're doing something right when people are stopping you on the street to say, 'How did you get kumquat?!?!'"
"Also, I am incredibly lucky to work with a one-in-a-million talent and person like Keke Palmer," he continues. "She is the secret to the show's success."
Password season 3 ranks as the No. 1 series in the Tuesday 10-11 p.m. time slot across all networks. It also ranks as the No. 2 entertainment series on broadcast this summer to date with total viewers behind only NBC's America's Got Talent. On Peacock, season 3 is up +27% from season 2 in total viewers.
In an exclusive clip of the Tuesday, July 21 episode of Password, celebrity guest Tiffany Haddish pairs up with contestants for a word showdown. Two points down from her opponents, Haddish gets her teammate to guess the password "trip" by referencing her hit 2017 comedy Girls Trip.
Every episode, Fallon and a rotating roster of celebrity guests team up with everyday contestants and use one-word clues to guess the secret password for a chance to win cash prizes. In addition to Haddish, other upcoming guests include Connie Britton, Constance Wu, Darren Criss, Karamo Brown, Savannah Guthrie, and Alan Cumming. Previous guests this season were Anthony Anderson, Ariana Madix, Josh Hart, Ice-T, Wayne Brady, The Miz, Dorinda Medley and Luann de Lesseps.
In 2023, Palmer won an Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show and became the first woman in 15 years to do so. "I'm really just so thankful, I'm almost speechless," she said in her acceptance speech. "I just want to give a huge thanks, obviously, to the people that allowed this to happen. Thank you to Jimmy Fallon for being an awesome friend and mentor. I really couldn't do it without him."
The revival of Password has been a ratings success story for NBC, drawing in both nostalgic viewers from the original series and a new generation of fans. The show's format, which combines classic wordplay with celebrity appearances, has proven to be a winning formula in the competitive landscape of primetime television.
Keke Palmer's rise to prominence as a host is a testament to her versatility as a performer. Born in 1993, she began her career as a child actress, starring in films like Akeelah and the Bee and Barbershop 2. She later transitioned to television, earning critical acclaim for her role in the series Scream Queens and Berlin Station. Her work as a host on Password has solidified her status as one of the most dynamic talents in entertainment today.
Jimmy Fallon, meanwhile, has been a staple of late-night television since 2014, when he took over The Tonight Show. His background in comedy and improvisation makes him a natural fit for the game show environment, where quick thinking and humor are essential. Fallon's partnership with Palmer has been widely praised, with many critics noting the chemistry between the two hosts.
The original Password aired from 1961 to 1975, created by Bob Stewart and initially hosted by Allen Ludden. The show gained popularity for its simple yet addictive concept: two teams of two players each try to convey a word to their partner using only single-word clues. The revival, produced by Fallon's production company, has updated the format with a modern twist, incorporating digital clues and a digital wheel for bonus rounds.
Ratings data reveals that Password has not only dominated its time slot but also demonstrated strong streaming performance on Peacock. The 27% increase in total viewers from season 2 to season 3 indicates growing interest and word-of-mouth promotion. This success is particularly notable given the fragmentation of television audiences across multiple platforms.
In the broader context, Password joins a string of successful game show revivals in recent years, including Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud. These shows leverage nostalgia while updating production values to attract younger viewers. The presence of charismatic hosts like Palmer is often cited as a key factor in their continued success.
Looking ahead, Password has already been renewed for a fourth season, ensuring that Fallon and Palmer will continue their partnership. Upcoming episodes feature a diverse lineup of celebrities, from actors to news anchors, which helps keep the show fresh and engaging. The producers have also introduced themed episodes, such as holiday specials, to maintain viewer interest throughout the year.
Keke Palmer's impact extends beyond the show itself. She has become a role model for young women of color in the entertainment industry, often speaking about representation and empowerment. Her Emmy win for Outstanding Host for a Game Show was a historic moment, as no woman had won that category since Meredith Vieira in 2005. In her acceptance speech, Palmer dedicated the award to “every little girl who looks like me” and encouraged the industry to continue opening doors for diverse talent.
Jimmy Fallon, who has hosted The Tonight Show for a decade, also brings a wealth of experience to the project. His ability to connect with guests and contestants alike has been instrumental in making Password a welcoming and entertaining environment. Fallon's production company, Electric Hot Dog, has been behind several successful ventures, including Lip Sync Battle and That's My Jam.
The production team of Password includes executive producers who have worked on other high-profile game shows, ensuring high production values and seamless execution. The show's set design, which features a sleek, modern studio with interactive screens, adds to the visual appeal. The music, composed by a team of award-winning musicians, enhances the tension and excitement of each episode.
In conclusion, the success of Password is a collaborative effort between talented hosts, creative producers, and a loyal audience. Keke Palmer and Jimmy Fallon have proven that a classic game show can be revitalized for modern audiences, achieving both critical and popular acclaim. With continued strong ratings and a dedicated fan base, the show seems poised for many more seasons.
Source: MSN News