Fallon Gets Late Night Try-Out on Web; Leno and Conan to Swap in June - Today's News: Our Take

Jimmy Fallon by Chris Haston/NBC Universal Photo

This fall — some six months before his Late Night talker hits the airwaves — Jimmy Fallon will attempt a "soft launch" of the show, performing five- to 10-minute routines on an NBC online portal TBA. This unorthodox "dry run" is intended to let Fallon find his voice and rhythm and thus avoid the sort of pitfalls that plagued Conan O'Brien when he himself entered the late-night realm.

As for Conan, he is expected to cease production on his Late Night in February, then head west to prepare his take on The Tonight Show, which will premiere sometime in June — and from a brand-new stage now in production.

Fallon's Late Night is slated to hit NBC proper "sometime in the spring," giving him Leno as a lead-in for a brief stretch. — Matt Mitovich

Leave a Comment

TVGuide Links:

Posted by

TV Guide News

Jul 21, 2008 8:50 AM

Report Abuse

I wonder why they wouldn't do the Jay-to-Conan switchover during May sweeps. Regardless of whether fans think it's a good or a bad idea, everyone who was ever a fan of either of them would likely watch Jay's last show and Conan's first. June seems to be an odd time to make the change.
Posted by TV Gord Jul 21, 2008 12:16 PM Report Abuse

Bad idea.
While I think it's good that he wants to practice before his debut, seeing his growing pains on the internet could end up hurting him in the long run, especially if he's still not very polished by the time he takes over Conan's spot.
If he had the same growing pains on tv, like Conan and Kimmel both did. the public is much more forgiving. But to do it on the internet, and then still have issues... Also, his bosses may see his internet shows and decide to bail on his deal and try to replace him.
Think not? TV execs are not known for being loyal or bright.

Posted by Ðarclyte

Jul 21, 2008 3:11 PM

Report Abuse

I really like Jimmy a lot and hope that he does extremely well replacing Conan. I still miss him terribly on SNL. Occasionally, I tune into E just hoping to catch some old Weekend Update segments with him and Tina Fey.
Posted by Dances with Ducks Jul 21, 2008 3:33 PM Report Abuse

I'm somewhat bummed over Conan taking over the Tonight Show. That means he has to leave New York. Rockefeller won't be the same without him.
Posted by OSUBuckly Jul 21, 2008 3:37 PM Report Abuse

The AP story I read on CNN.com gives specific Tonight dates: Friday, May 29 for the last Leno episode; Monday, June 1 for the first Conan episode. Meanwhile, it says Fallon takes over Late Night in March or April, with Conan signing off "sometime in the first quarter of the year" with Conan re-runs filling the gap until Fallon starts.
Posted by jonk1982 Jul 21, 2008 4:58 PM Report Abuse

I REALLY don't get what NBC is thinking. I can't stand Leno but do they really think Leno's audience is going to embrace O'Brien? Unless O'Brien is going to go all "vanilla".
Posted by Buffy Freak Jul 21, 2008 5:06 PM Report Abuse

Buffy Freak, I think the network feels Leno's demos always skewed older than they liked, even though his ratings have always been out front. I thin they are hoping the Conan/Fallon combo will hang onto the loyal NBC audience and attract the more advertiser-friendly younger audience.

They must think Conan will still maintain the number one spot against Dave, and I think that's likely to happen. Conan's "audition" hosting the Emmys seems to have given them a jolt of confidence.

I'm surprised at the negative reaction by many to Jimmy Fallon. To me, he seems fresh and funny and although I didn't like the way he was trying to become SNL's answer to Harvey Korman with the forced "breaking up" in sketches, he has shown he's quick on his feet and can make the occasional "live" flub work in his (and our) favor. I have a lot of hope for the O'Brien/Fallon block (although I will always watch Letterman, Ferguson and Kimmel before I get to the NBC lineup.

Thank heavens for my bank of recording units!!!

Posted by TV Gord

Jul 21, 2008 5:23 PM

Report Abuse

In This Section

TV Guide Spotlight

Also on TVGuide.com

Fallon Gets Late Night Try-Out on Web; Leno-Conan to Swap in June