Will Jimmy Fallon Replace Jay Leno as Host of ‘The Tonight Show?’
For as much as we've enjoyed Conan O'Brien's role as the host of his own TBS show 'Conan,' Jimmy Fallon's increasingly strong work on 'Late Night,' and even Jay Leno's seemingly peaceful return to 'The Tonight Show,' a new storm on the late-night front might be brewing. Some sources are saying that NBC executives have quietly begun searching for Fallon's replacement, in which case Fallon would take over for Leno as host of 'The Tonight Show' in the next few years. Is there any truth to the rumor?
The Late-Night Wars might be entering their second round, if the New York Daily News is to be believed. Sources there have claimed NBC has begun talent scouting for a potential 'Late Night' host to take over for Jimmy Fallon, freeing Fallon up for...what, exactly? If the rumors are correct, to take the big job over at 'The Tonight Show' from Jay Leno!
Both Leno (and rival Dave Letterman)'s contracts expire in 2014, at which time it would seem likely NBC would hope to capture a more youthful demographic, axing Leno and allowing the younger-skewing Jimmy Fallon to take his place. Of course, this would once again leave Conan O'Brien out in the cold, following the 2009 debacle in which Jay Leno bypassed retirement to carve out his own show ahead of Conan O'Brien's 'Tonight Show' ascension, damaging both programs and facilitating O'Brien's departure.
For now the development seems to be a rumor admitted by various talent agencies, but what say you? Would you watch 'The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon?' Why can't Conan O'Brien catch a break? Give us your thoughts in the comments!