TV News

Conan Succeeds Leno in June of 2009

Source:NBC

July 21, 2008

NBC has made the official announcement on when exactly Conan O'Brien will take over "The Tonight Show" from Jay Leno:

Conan O'Brien, the dominant late-night host at 12:35 a.m. (ET) for the past 14 seasons, will succeed Jay Leno as host of the preeminent series on late-night television, NBC's "The Tonight Show," in June of 2009. Beginning in Spring 2009, Jimmy Fallon will step in as the "Late Night" host. The announcement was made today by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios and Marc Graboff, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will begin on Monday, June 1, 2009 (11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. ET) with Leno's last "Tonight Show" telecast airing Friday, May 29, 2009.

"'The Tonight Show' has a remarkable history rich in tradition. We're proud of each and every show Jay has shared with America as we look forward to Conan carrying on that outstanding tradition next year," said Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night and Primetime Series, NBC Entertainment. "We also can't wait for Jimmy to showcase his winning style following Conan. Jay has left his personal stamp on 'The Tonight Show' for what will be 17 years. He is enormously creative, generous and professional."

"The Tonight Show" continues to be the most dominant late-night institution in television history. Since it first premiered on September 27, 1954 with Steve Allen, "The Tonight Show" has had just four permanent hosts, including Leno. Allen, host of the then titled "Tonight," eventually left late night to start his own primetime variety series on NBC. Jack Paar premiered on July 29, 1957. On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson stepped on stage for day one of his tenure as host of "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." Leno, who began guest-hosting "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in September 1987, became host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on May 25, 1992. O'Brien joined NBC as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" in 1988 and premiered as host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on September 13, 1993.

"The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" will originate from Stage 1 at Universal Studios and will be produced by Universal Media Studios. Jeff Ross is the executive producer.

COMMENTS (24)

Posted by:

Mike

July 21, 2008

I hope Leno comes to ABC

Posted by:

July 21, 2008

Ah Conan. No one deserves it more.

Posted by:

billgotpwned

July 21, 2008

Conan is as awesome as Leno in their own individual show. We can expect great things from Conan as we did from Leno. All the best to Leno, Conan and Fallon!

Posted by:

Jason

July 21, 2008

I hope that Conan doesn't get soft in an earlier time slot. I LOVE his style and would hate to see it get changed too much.

Posted by:

Pecos Bill

July 21, 2008

I'm curious if Conan's entourage will be coming with him when he takes over the Tonight Show. Max Weinberg in particular, since (blech) Jimmy Fallon is supposed to choose a new band for "Late Night" when he takes over.

Posted by:

darth indy

July 21, 2008

About itme they get rid of that phony Leno. The man is spinless and would never stand up to anybody with an opinion. He would just make a half-assed joke and change the subject. However Conan is great and really a funny guy and I enjoy his show.

however Fallon sucks and who did he sleep with to get such a sweet job. Give the job to someone who is funny like Bernie Mack. Wait he actually has a career and is not just another unemployed saturday night live actor. Word.

Posted by:

C.S Russell

July 21, 2008

Consey is the man. FAllon though isn't funny at all. Personally they could have done much better.

Posted by:

ball

July 21, 2008

So if Fallon takes over Late Night in the spring and Conan takes over The Tonight Show the first of June, then we're going to have no Conan for a while. That sucks!! Conan is hilarious and he actually listens to what his guests are saying.

Posted by:

Mezzy

July 21, 2008

I hate fallon.....i hope something happens to his contract or he gets arrested so he doesnt replace Conan

Posted by:

TwoDogs

July 21, 2008

So happy for O'Brian, he deserves it. As for Jimmy Fallon, I was so happy not to see his face for a long time........why do people think he is funny? Everyone has their own opinion......but seriously, he wasnt that funny on SNL, not enough to have a best of DVD.........

oh well.