Jimmy Fallon’s ‘Tonight Show’ expands role of Lorne Michaels
Jimmy Fallon is not the only person getting a new job.
Fallon, who will take over as host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show†next spring, will be joined by Lorne Michaels, who currently executive produces Fallon’s 12:30 a.m. show “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.â€
For Michaels, who is the longtime executive producer of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,†having oversight over “The Tonight Show†increases his already strong hand at the network.
PHOTOS: Classic ‘Tonight Show’ moments
It will also mean a lot more work. Moving Fallon’s show to Jay Leno’s slot will likely mean some changes to the show so it can appeal to the bigger audience that is available at 11:30 p.m. Michaels is very hands-on with “Saturday Night Live,†so it is unlikely that he would step back from that.
Michaels, who has produced Fallon’s “Late Night†since it made its debut in March 2009, is not expected to keep producing that show when he takes over running “The Tonight Show,†a senior NBC executive said.
That doesn’t mean that Michaels won’t have some influence in who succeeds Fallon as host of “Late Night.†The speculation is on Seth Meyers of “Saturday Night Live.â€
Even if Michaels is not involved in the next incarnation of “Late Night,†don’t look for the program to move to Los Angeles to help fill the void that will be left here when “The Tonight Show†returns to New York.
ALSO:
It’s offical: Fallon to replace Leno in 2014
Jimmy Fallon will inherit real estate that has lost value
Follow Joe Flint on Twitter @JBFlint.
MORE
INTERACTIVE: TVs highest paid stars
ON LOCATION: People and places behind what’s onscreen
PHOTOS: Hollywood back lot moments
From the Oscars to the Emmys.
Get the Envelope newsletter for exclusive awards season coverage, behind-the-scenes stories from the Envelope podcast and columnist Glenn Whipp’s must-read analysis.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
