Jimmy Fallon May Get NBC's 'Late Night' Gig

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Associated Press
Friday, April 25, 2008

NEW YORK, April 24 -- Jimmy Fallon appears to be inching closer to Conan O'Brien's "Late Night" chair.

For months, Fallon has been widely considered the top choice to succeed O'Brien when he steps down next year. On Thursday, published reports said Fallon has signed, or soon will sign, a deal with NBC.

NBC had no comment Thursday on the stories by the Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Industry observers had expected the network to announce its choice for host within the next few weeks, possibly at its May 12 presentation for advertisers.

A former regular on "Saturday Night Live," Fallon, 33, would take over sometime next year as host of the 12:30 a.m. talk show. O'Brien is to replace Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight" show, which airs at 11:30 on weeknights.

The identity of the host of "Late Night" is the only part of this talk-show turnover that remained in any doubt. The succession plan at the "Tonight" show, including Leno's departure, was announced by NBC in 2004.

But as long ago as last summer, NBC late-night boss Rick Ludwin was quoted as saying that Fallon "is at the top of our shortlist."