The late night television lineup will change drastically next year, when Jay Leno steps away from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." After weeks of speculation and rumors, Leno and NBC Television Network made a formal press announcement on April 3, 2013. Late night host Jimmy Fallon will replace Leno on "The Tonight Show," starting in the spring of 2014.
Leno has successfully hosted "The Tonight Show" for 22 years. His track record was impressive, as he held the number one spot for his time slot from most of his tenure.
Leno replaced Johnny Carson when Carson stepped away from the late night gig in 1992. While Carson was the host, ,the show moved from New York to Los Angeles, Calif.. As Fallon transitions into his new hosting duties, the show will return to 30 Rock in New York.
The newest edition of "The Tonight Show" will be executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Lorne Michaels (“Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock”).
Leno congratulated Fallon in a press statement, saying, “Congratulations Jimmy. I hope you're as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you're the old guy. If you need me, I'll be at the garage.”
Fallon's humorously stated, “I’m really excited to host a show that starts today instead of tomorrow.”
On the April 3 show, Leno took a jab at long-time rival David Letterman, "Folks, I got to be honest with you, I had a really awkward day today...I had to call David Letterman and tell him he didn't get the Tonight Show again. Awful! Terrible!"
Leno also had words of praise for Fallon, who he called a "good friend." Leno said, "He's a hell of a guy! He's going to do a great job!"He inserted a jab at NBC, saying, "We've all fought, kicked and scratched to get this network up to fifth place, now we have to keep it there! Jimmy, don't let it slip into sixth! We are counting on you."
NBC reportedly intends to woo a younger demographic, with the younger host. Leno said, "Jimmy hasn't even taken over yet and the rumors have already started. NBC says in five years they plan to replace Jimmy with Justin Bieber."
Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer at NBCUniversal, praised the outgoing late-night host in the press statement. Burke stated, “Jay Leno is an entertainment icon, making millions of people laugh every weeknight for more than 20 years. His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC.
“We are purposefully making this change when Jay is #1, just as Jay replaced Johnny Carson when he was #1. Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time. I’m thrilled he will become the sixth host of ‘The Tonight Show’ at exactly the right moment, in conjunction with our coverage of next year's Winter Olympic Games from Sochi, Russia."
“I also want to congratulate and thank Debbie Vickers and her ‘Tonight Show’ team for producing an entertaining, first-class show every night for the past two decades. Debbie’s role in the creative and popular success of this franchise cannot be overstated.”
Leno honed his comedic skills on the comedy club circuit, often exceeding 300 dates per year. He moved to Los Angeles where he started working on film and television. Leno made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1977. In 1987 he was named the permanent guest host for Carson. Leno took the reins of "The Tonight Show" in 1992. Leno continued to work the comedy club circuit and continues to average over 150 gigs a year.
Fallon began his television career with a six-year stint “Saturday Night Live” in 1998. He quickly became an audience favorite, known for his spot-on impressions, innovative musical and comedy sketches and his stint as co-anchor of “Weekend Update” with Tina Fey. Fallon returned to NBC in March, 2009 and took over the late- night legacy with “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” in the time-slot held by Conan O'Brien before his short stint as 'The Tonight Show" host. The show has continued to garner attention for its viral videos, audience games, A-list guests, and Fallon’s choice of critically acclaimed house-band, The Roots
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