link FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NBC NAMES JIMMY FALLON AS HOST OF "LATE NIGHT" WHEN CONAN O'BRIEN TAKES OVER "THE TONIGHT SHOW" IN 2009 NEW YORK, May 12, 2008 – NBC has identified the last piece in its late night succession plan, naming Jimmy Fallon as the new host of "Late Night" when Conan O'Brien moves to "The Tonight Show" in 2009. The announcement was made today by Marc Graboff and Ben Silverman, Co-Chairmen, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, at a press conference at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. "We couldn't be happier to have Jimmy back on NBC and to have our number one-rated late night team fully in place for the future," said Silverman, "Jimmy is more than just a likeable guy and a great comedian, he is genuinely interested in what people have to say." "Jimmy's proven track record and personality make him a natural for this important role that will bring a new generation of fans to 'Late Night,'" said Graboff. "He will put his own distinct mark on late night humor just as he did on 'SNL' and in his other creative endeavors." Added Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment, "Simply put, Jimmy has all of the qualities for a late night host -- in addition to being funny, he loves talking to people on and off camera, he's a talented comedy writer and his time at 'SNL' demonstrated not only his ability to entertain, but also the work ethic and dedication it takes to succeed at hosting a nightly show." A recognized comic talent, Fallon has demonstrated an ability to deliver versatile, standout performances while always staying grounded in his stand-up roots. Fallon first garnered attention in 1998 when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" and quickly became an audience favorite for his memorable recurring characters and spot-on impressions and in 2000, Fallon became the co-anchor of the "SNL's" signature segment "Weekend Update" alongside Tina Fey. Fallon ventured off into other television roles, including Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg's Emmy award-winning miniseries "Band of Brothers." A favorite among the MTV audience, Fallon hosted the MTV Movie Awards twice and hosted the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002. Fallon made an impressive turn guest hosting "The Late Show" for an ailing David Letterman in 2003. Fallon made his feature film debut in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous" and went on to appear in numerous films including Woody Allen's "Anything Else," "Fever Pitch" opposite Drew Barrymore and the indie "Factory Girl." The premiere date for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" will be announced at a later date. Lorne Michaels is executive producer. "Late Night" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video. NBC is America's Late Night Leader with the number one-rated "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Last Call with Carson Daly" and "Saturday Night Live."
Easy to say this is a bad decision, but amongst the long list of people who either already have had a show, or could have been chosen, at the end of the day, it could have been a lot, lot worse.
Horrible choice. Although I look forward to Conan O'Brien taking over the Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon will ruin this. His personality is not conducive to a talk show; whereas Jay Leno, David Letterman, and Conan all have the ability to talk to people well, Fallon seems like he'll just give off impish laughter throughout the entire show. Never funny on SNL, never funny afterward. Ugh. I guess it's hard to find hidden talents like Conan everyday.
Jimmy Fallon breaks out of character into laughter too often to be a good conversationalist if you ask me. Oh well I won't be watching anyways.
Ratings gold... Douchebag Who Laughs at His Own Unfunny Jokes Hour Followed by Tool Time with Carson Daily
Am I the only one who actually thinks Ferguson is hilarious? Every show he goes off on some totally random topic or story and it seems like he doesn't plan it at all. I liked Kilborn, but he was a total douche, and it showed. His bits were funny though.
I can't stand Ferguson. His bits were terrible. His character was great in the Drew Carey Show, I'll give him that. As far as Kilborn goes, I'll admit, I watched it. Dude had his funny moments. I think the whole trying out for the Timberwolves bit was hilarious.
