With rumors about Jimmy Fallon’s possible ascension to the Tonight Show continuing to swirl due to the big ticking clock over Jay Leno’s head, many have started to wonder who will take over for Fallon, if (and when) he leaves Late Night.
Now, it appears that NBC is looking at Saturday Night Live head writer and host of “Weekend Update” Seth Meyers to take the post-Tonight Show timeslot.
According to the New York Post, an unnamed source told them:
Lorne Michaels wants Seth to take over from Fallon. It would be perfect for him. Tina Fey’s name had also come up, but she has said she was too busy to do it.
Fey co-hosted “Weekend Update” with Fallon on SNL from 2000 to 2004 and she also preceded Meyers as head writer for the venerable sketch show. She recently wrapped up 7 seasons as both the star and showrunner on 30 Rock, though, so it’s hard to think that Fey would turnaround and sign up for a job as demanding and all-consuming as late night host. Still, Fey would have been an incredible get for NBC, even though she would have probably overshadowed Fallon in that scenario.
Meyers, on the other hand, seems like a perfect fit for the Late Night job, and after 12 years on SNL as writer, then head writer, and host of “Weekend Update” since 2006, Meyers could be ready for a new challenge.
It’s nearly impossible to accurately forecast what Late Night would look like with Meyers as host, but one can see that he would be a nice contrast to Fallon’s somewhat manic style. Smart, with the ability to sell a joke with a knowing grin; Meyers has a coolness to his style, but he also possesses the ability to go for it as a performer (though not as much as Fallon), meaning he could be an asset in bits and sketches as well.
Until official word drops, though, we’ll keep you updated on all the Late Night information and this impossible game of musical chairs, so be sure to stay tuned.
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Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs @12:36am on NBC
Source: New York Post
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I don’t like it. Just let Jimmy be where he is and let someone else take over the Tonight Show. I’m always reminded of Wayne’s World, when the execs try to improve and meddle with a successful thing. Before you know it everything that made Late Night with Jimmy Fallon so enjoyable and unique will be gone.
I didn’t even read the article I just wanted to hunt down your comment again and let you know that you make me sick. Pervert!
I could not agree more! If you recall, Howard Stern went on Fallon and told Fallon to NOT accept the Tonight Show gig if offered to him. I may not be Howard’s biggest fan, but I do think he’s a very stark and honest guy and cuts through the BS. He knows from an insiders perspective it would be a bad idea for Fallon to take the Tonight Show.
Just like how they tried to neuter Conan on the Tonight Show, they will do the same to Fallon.
I wish there was a way to stop this from happening, but it doesn’t appear it will happen.
I knew it he’ll do a great job REALLY!!!
Love Seth Meyers, always has the awesome timing for Weekend Update
I’m just glad Leno’s gonna be off.
Leno is the best tonight show host there ever was…. for me to poop on!
I wish Tina Fey would do it. She’s wonderful, talented and she’d be the first female network late-night host. Maybe she wants to keep her schedule open for more films.
What about Chelsea Handler who hosts Chelsea Lately.
I envision Tina Fey taking over SNL when Loren steps down. Not sure it would happen, but it would be an ideal career move for her.
I like the idea of Seth Taking over Late Night. I actually like him more than i did Jimmy as Anchor of Weekend Update
I like Jimmy, but Craig Ferguson is the best late night host, IMO.
That being said, I think Seth would be a great host for Late Night as would Tina Fey (or even Amy Poehler). I’m still not sure why NBC is so eager to get rid of Jay Leno considering that he STILL has the #1 rated late night program on TV. NBC can’t say they have the #1 ratings in much of anything so why mess with a good thing? Jay is starting to get up there in age, so see if he’ll re-up for a couple more years and let Jimmy take over in 2015.
Apparently, they are afraid that Kimmel will completely take over the ”younger demographic” from them, so they want Fallon in as soon as possible.
Oh please. They should be worried about youtube taking over. The average age for the Kimmel viewer is 53. Yes that’s younger than a Leno or Letterman viewer, but its still not young.
Leno is the best tonight show host there ever was…. for me to poop on!
Here here, I second that poop with a #3 at the vomitorium. I also diahreead all over you. The aristocrats!
Seth Meyers is an incredibly overrated comedian. So is Jimmy Fallon, but not quite as much as Meyers. SNL hasn’t funny since Tina Fey left as head writer, and he took over. The only sketch that is funny is the “What Up With That” sketch. And Kenan is main reason why its funny.
Tina Fey would be pretty amazing.
I love Fallon, but I am afraid he is going to flop in the earlier slot. I would rather see Seth take over the Tonight Show directly, and leave Jimmy where he is.
Louis CK should get Leno’s show like in Louie, where he tried to replace Letterman!
i thought this was great news untill i saw that jimmy fallon was still gonna be on tv! will he just die already hes not funny for sure the worst member snl has ever had! yawn
The worst member was Chris Kattan.