“Oh, did I tell you, honey? I got the ‘Late Night’ gig.” Actor Jimmy Fallon in bed with Chewbacca during filming for a promo for the 2005 MTV Movie Awards.
After months of speculation, former “Saturday Night Live” comic Jimmy Fallon has sealed a deal to succeed Late Night host Conan OBrien on NBC in 2009, sources said.
OBrien, whose show airs at 12:35 a.m., is moving into the 11:35 p.m. slot next year after Tonight Show host Jay Lenos retirement, which was announced in 2004.
NBC is expected to make the announcement May 12 in New York.
The deal gives Fallon and Late Night executive producer Lorne Michaels enough time to assemble a team and prepare for Fallons takeover after OBriens departure, expected in January.
It is not clear whether Late Night with Fallon will stay at Studio 6A at New Yorks 30 Rock, but it is probable as OBrien will be moving to the new Tonight Show home at Universal Studios Stage One.
NBC declined comment Thursday.
Fallons new gig as Late Night host stems from a development deal he inked with NBC in early 2007.
The move further cements NBCs late-night transition that also is making Leno a highly sought-after free agent, with ABC and Fox reportedly already circling the top-rated late-night host. Meanwhile, NBC Universal is trying to keep him in the company fold with a new show.
The Hollywood Reporter
