NBC’s late night talk show transition seems firmer now that “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno has confirmed he would like to see Jimmy Fallon replace him when he vacates the prized position next year.
The 62-year-old Leno said “I hope so” when was asked on “
Extra TV” whether he thought the younger, greener host of the “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” would eventually replace him.
It’s the latest in a continuing stream of NBC’s late night talk show developments.
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Sources recently revealed that
NBC executives have already made the decision and that crews have already begun building a new set for the “Tonight Show” in New York City.
Before Fallon took on his late night talk show, he was best-known for his role as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member.
New York Times reporter Bill Carter, who has dedicated more than a decade to reporting on the late night TV talk show wars, said that moving Fallon into Leno’s job is not really such a shocking move. What he finds more surprising are rumors of “The Tonight Show’s” geographic move.
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“I found it fascinating they’re going to move the show to New York,” Carter said. “I think that’s an interesting change. ‘The Tonight Show’ in LA had a certain style. I think Fallon is particularly a New York act.”
For now, Leno appears to be secure in his role until 2014 when his contract is up.
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