New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani made an unexpected late-night cameo on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, stepping onstage during the host’s opening monologue and catching the audience by surprise.
The brief appearance marked Mamdani’s first time on a late-night show since assuming office earlier this month. While he had been a familiar face on television before winning the mayoral race last November, this was his first on-screen moment as the city’s newly sworn-in leader.
His walk-on was tied to a running joke Fallon has leaned on throughout the winter. For weeks, the host has repeatedly joked about how bitterly cold New York City has become, often framing the gag around the mayor. With the city recently hit by a powerful snowstorm and plunging temperatures, the timing of the appearance landed perfectly.
After Fallon delivered yet another variation of his familiar “It’s so cold…” setup, Mamdani emerged to add his own punchline, joking that the freezing weather had even managed to stop New York City rent from going up. The quip drew loud laughter before the mayor struck a more serious tone, encouraging residents to stay warm, avoid unnecessary travel, and look out for one another during the harsh conditions.
The surprise moment came during an already high-profile start to Mamdani’s tenure. The snowstorm marked one of his first major tests in office, and he has remained highly visible through public briefings, neighborhood visits, and frequent media appearances.
The episode also featured appearances by Pete Davidson and Paris Hilton, rounding out a night that mixed comedy, celebrity, and a touch of New York City politics.
