New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a surprise appearance on The Tonight Show Monday night. He joined Jimmy Fallon’s recurring cold-weather joke during the host’s opening monologue. This marked Mamdani’s first late-night appearance since taking office earlier this month.
The mayor had previously appeared on late-night programs like The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show before winning the mayoral race. However, Monday night was his first cameo as New York City’s newly inaugurated leader. His unexpected walk-on drew cheers and laughter from the live audience.
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Fallon has run a recurring “It’s so cold…” joke about New York City since December. With a recent snowstorm and plunging temperatures, the timing of Mamdani’s appearance was perfect. He delivered a punchline, joking that freezing weather had even paused rising rent, before advising viewers to stay safe and warm.
‘The Tonight Show’ welcomed NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani to cap Jimmy Fallon’s run of “It’s so cold…” jokes. pic.twitter.com/dXmV38wGAM
— LateNighter (@latenightercom) January 27, 2026
Mamdani’s cameo came amid a high-profile start to his mayoral tenure. The snowstorm marked one of his first major challenges, and he has maintained a visible presence through briefings, media appearances, and neighborhood visits. His appearance highlighted both his humor and his hands-on leadership style.
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Monday’s episode also featured Pete Davidson and Paris Hilton, blending comedy, pop culture, and city politics. The show combined Fallon’s humor with topical commentary, creating a memorable night for viewers. Mamdani’s unexpected cameo added a personal and local touch to the broadcast.