Jimmy Fallon’s Detroit Love Affair: Tears, Hugs, and a Vow to Return

DETROIT, MI — The Motor City stole Jimmy Fallon’s heart during a nearly week-long taping of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that culminated in an emotional crescendo at the Detroit Opera House on September 14, 2025. The late-night host, known for his infectious energy, was brought to tears by a surprise bear hug from Detroit Lions superstar Aidan Hutchinson at the taping’s finale. But it was a deeply personal moment earlier in the week—one that didn’t make it to the cameras—that had Fallon exclaiming, “I have to come back!” as he fell head over heels for Detroit’s soul, grit, and charm.

The special Detroit episode, set to air on NBC at 11:30 p.m. on Monday and stream on Peacock Tuesday, was a love letter to the city. From shout-outs to Vernors, coney dogs, and Motown legend Martha Reeves to appearances by Keegan-Michael Key, Cade Cunningham, and rapper Common, the show was steeped in Detroit flavor. Yet, behind the scenes, Fallon’s week-long immersion in the city left him enchanted in ways fans might never see on the broadcast.

Sources close to the production revealed that Fallon spent his days exploring Detroit’s neighborhoods, dining at local haunts like She Wolf, Buddy’s Pizza, and Miller’s Bar in Dearborn, and soaking up the city’s vibrant culture. But it was an unscripted encounter at Slows Bar BQ in Corktown, celebrating its 20th anniversary, that became the defining moment of his trip. During a casual visit earlier in the week, Fallon found himself in a heartfelt conversation with a group of longtime Detroiters at the restaurant. As they shared stories of the city’s comeback—its resilience through tough times and its unbreakable spirit—Fallon was visibly moved.

“He was just sitting there, eating ribs, listening to these folks talk about growing up in Detroit, the music, the struggles, the pride,” said a staffer who witnessed the moment. “Jimmy got quiet, and you could see his eyes welling up. He said something like, ‘This city’s got something special. It’s real.’ That’s when he started talking about coming back, not just for the show but for the people.”

That emotional connection carried over to the taping at the Detroit Opera House, where 3,000 fans, who snagged free tickets through an online lottery, filled the venue with electric energy. Fallon kicked off the show with his now-infamous “Whatupdoe!” greeting, stumbling into a charming “Wha-wha-whatupdoe!” that sent the crowd into hysterics. The audience leapt to their feet, clapping and shouting the greeting back, creating a moment of pure Detroit unity. “It was like the city adopted him,” said attendee Jamie Longenbarger from Monroe. “He laughed at himself, and we all felt like we were in on it.”

The taping was packed with highlights: Keegan-Michael Key, rocking a Barry Sanders Lions jersey, had Fallon butchering Detroit street names like Gratiot (“Gra-shee-oh?”) to raucous laughter. Cade Cunningham gifted Fallon a pair of Cartier Buffs and joined him in firing T-shirts into the crowd alongside the Pistons’ dance squad and mascot Hooper. Common and Bilal delivered a soulful tribute to J Dilla, with an artist spray-painting a portrait of the late hip-hop producer live on stage. But it was Aidan Hutchinson’s surprise appearance that pushed Fallon over the edge.

As the taping wrapped, Hutchinson, fresh off the Lions’ 52-21 rout of the Chicago Bears at Ford Field, stormed the stage and enveloped Fallon in a massive hug. The crowd roared as Fallon, visibly emotional, wiped away tears. “Aidan’s hug was like Detroit itself—big, warm, and a little overwhelming,” Fallon later quipped, his voice cracking. “I’m not crying, you’re crying!” The moment was a fitting cap to a week that had already captured Fallon’s heart.

Fans like Traci Longenbarger, who attended with Jamie, felt the city’s energy was at an all-time high. “After the Lions game and Jimmy’s show, Detroit was on fire,” she said. “He got it. He felt the love.” Yet, many believe Fallon’s off-camera moment at Slows Bar BQ, where he connected with everyday Detroiters, was what truly sealed his bond with the city. “He kept saying, ‘I have to come back,’” the staffer recalled. “Not for TV, but for Detroit.”

As the episode prepares to air, speculation swirls about whether Fallon’s tearful hug or his “Whatupdoe” flub will make the final cut. But for those who saw him in Detroit—whether at the Opera House or sharing ribs at Slows—one thing is clear: Jimmy Fallon didn’t just visit the Motor City. He fell in love with it. And if his vow is any indication, he’ll be back for more.