There has been a rumor going around that Jay Leno would be replaced on the “Tonight” show with Jimmy Fallon. On April 3, 2013 it was announced that Jimmy Fallon will be replacing Leno and moving the franchise back to New York. Although the rumors have been going on for some time now, the announcement still comes as a shock.
Don’t worry, if you didn’t catch the show last night you haven’t missed out on seeing Leno before he leaves. Fallon will not take over the show for about a year. This change will coincide with NBC's Winter Olympics coverage. Lorne Michaels, veteran "Saturday Night Live" producer, will also take over as the executive producer of "Tonight."
Chief executive officer of NBC Universal, Steve Burke, said that the network is intentionally making this move now while Leno is at the top of the late night ratings. Just as they did when Leno replaced Johnny Carson in 1992. Steve said "Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time.”
In a statement to Fallon to congratulate him Leno said "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." Changes like this are never easy, not just for the crew of the show but also for the fans. Many people are sad to see Leno go but just like when Carson left the show, it will go on and it will continue to be great late-night entertainment.
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